Q: I think I’m called to missions. Why is God training me now in a way that doesn’t make sense?

answer this question

A: Because His ways are higher than our ways.

Answer from John Crouch MD, Exec. Director of In His Image Medical Missions.
I have found that with a willingness to serve, God often finds wonderful ways to prepare us for the calling that lies ahead. Often, our idea of our calling undergoes modification and it is interesting to me that many times the preparation that we went through when we were willing turns out to be the exact preparation for the calling that overtakes us as we follow His leading. And sometimes the task that we take on in our willingness turns out to be a better preparation than the task we would have chosen.

See Exodus 13:17 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter."

A: Let God direct you into a totally new arena of outreach.

Answer from Steve Hoke, VP of People Development for Church Resource Ministries, author of The Global Mission Handbook.
I once heard Elizabeth Elliot say at the Urbana student missions conference: "Never let your education stand in the way of the will of God." A startling statement for so many young people who often assume that their education is or will be the primary avenue of future ministry.

The Spirit has wired you with a particular set of Spiritual Gifts, as well as given you a specific call that matches your ministry burden and passion. Your undergraduate degree and even grad work in hand, may contribute to that calling. But if you sense that the voice of the Spirit is calling you into a role that does not depend on your previous education, do not hesitate because He is leading you in a different direction. Go with the Spirit.

Though there is no percentage given in Scripture, I find that 60% of the young people who end up in missions can utilize their undergraduate major and degree. Others find that the Spirit is directing them into a totally new arena of outreach, where they lead out of their giftings, rather than their competence and learned skills. Listening to God is the best way to remain in alignment with the often surprising and spontaneous leading of the Spirit.

A: Because his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

Answer from David in Honduras, who has served as a missionary physician in Honduras for nine years.
Dr. Paul Brand was a master cabinetmaker before becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Then as a missionary physician in India he discovered the mechanism by which leprosy causes its havoc on the human body.

God knew who you would be before the foundations of the earth. He gave you every one of your talents/interests.