John is a guy that I've gotten to know and respect over the last two years in bible study. He is positive, matter of fact, and generally looking strait to God in everything he says and does. I only wish he could sit down and teach me to be much more consistent in all three.
About 15 of us sat in bible study tonight. We always start off with prayer requests taking a while to explain the story behind them. When it was my turn, I asked that we pray about a very nervous sense I've had that God had incorrectly chosen me. I haven't been able to shake the thought that my knowledge and abilities won't be sufficient for the mission He's asking me to go on.
Of course, my overly supportive and slightly biased group of bible study members assured me that I will be wonderful. John turned to me in the middle of all of the comments and said, "Could this be Satan?" Wow. His heart is one that is always open to the Lord. Tonight that was clear. What a sadly misguided notion. God making the wrong choice? I don't think so. Now I think back and realize that no one is prepared to be a missionary. God just leads us through it step by step.
He sends us messages all the time. Sometimes we need to slow down and stop speaking over them. Sometimes, when we can't remember that, He sends someone to talk over us. Tonight was John's last night at bible study. The selfish side of me wishes that weren't so. The faithful side knows that he's going on to bless many more people in the next place the Lord has planned for him.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Blessings of Going Home
I had the opportunity to speak at my hometown church today. What a great experience. I never realize the amount of support I really have until I go back there. All of us want to hear that people are proud of us. From these people, it feels great.
God has put so many people in my life as I've grown up. Some of them helped me to grow by being honest even when I didn't want to hear their honesty, some of them were a constant source of positivity, and so many more served as educators to me. To all of you that fall into one of these categories, thank you.
One of my future roommates reminded me this weekend that we have three weeks here in the states. Though there are a lot of nerves and apprehension with leaving behind my friends and family, I find myself looking forward to the work the Lord has for us. I really have no idea exactly what God has planned for the next year, but I can't wait to find out.
As we get ready to leave, I want to put out a special prayer request. Megan is going on a mission trip with the youth in her congregation, and I'm sure Andrea has a ton of things to do before we leave August 17th. Please keep each of us in your prayers as we get ready for our mission. Preparation can often be the biggest source of nerves, pray that we constantly have the Goal in mind; to serve Him.
God has put so many people in my life as I've grown up. Some of them helped me to grow by being honest even when I didn't want to hear their honesty, some of them were a constant source of positivity, and so many more served as educators to me. To all of you that fall into one of these categories, thank you.
One of my future roommates reminded me this weekend that we have three weeks here in the states. Though there are a lot of nerves and apprehension with leaving behind my friends and family, I find myself looking forward to the work the Lord has for us. I really have no idea exactly what God has planned for the next year, but I can't wait to find out.
As we get ready to leave, I want to put out a special prayer request. Megan is going on a mission trip with the youth in her congregation, and I'm sure Andrea has a ton of things to do before we leave August 17th. Please keep each of us in your prayers as we get ready for our mission. Preparation can often be the biggest source of nerves, pray that we constantly have the Goal in mind; to serve Him.
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