These past few months have been an incredibly interesting time of growth and maturing for me here at Bible College. I have seen God move in ways that are incredibly exciting and terrifying at the same time and I want to share with you guys a little bit about what he has been doing.
Have you ever seen the ocean? When the waves are crashing all around you, the smell of salt in the air, the cry of seagulls above you, children playing in the waves, and the sun beating down around you, do you ever wonder at the power and strength of the ocean? How about the sun? When it comes riding through the afternoon sky on her fiery chariot, bringing warmth and light to everyone it touches, do you ever wonder at its power? Both of these creations represent, to a much smaller extent, how we should feel about God. I am reminded of Psalm 8 when the singer says, "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them" (Psalm 8:4 NIV). This is how I feel in response to this awesome God that I serve.
I am amazed that God would work in an individual like myself. I mean, I am not exactly the best candidate but neither were most of the people in the Bible. The Bible is full of people who were adulterers, murderers, liars, cheaters, blasphemers, and so many more that God used to fulfill his purpose. God uses people today that most people would not look at as worthwhile. Corrie Ten Boom is a good example. She was a woman who lived in Nazi-Occupied Holland and she saved numerous people from the regime. Pastor Saeed, who lived in Boise and is now imprisoned in Iran, is another example of the people that God is using throughout the world. Which leads me to this main point, "What am I doing with what God has given me?"
It is a legitimate question, what are you doing with the gifts that God has given you? Not for your salvation by any means, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, many people miss the verse right after that, which says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). God created us to do good works to those who are around us. Which leads me to ask again, "What are we doing with what God has given us?"
God has been seriously challenging me in my heart to give every part of who I am to seeking Him and to glorify Him. Each and everyone of us has to ask ourselves, what does that look like for us? For me, I am feeling a pull towards missionary work. I do not know what form that will take but it has been something that God has been challenging me in since my freshman year of Bible College. Perhaps I will try it and say that missions is not for me and I will serve the church in America. This is something that I have to try though. What would my life be worth if I continually just said no to what God would have me do? I mean really, if God says go somewhere, shouldn't we go? Maybe you are feeling that way right now. There is big opportunity to serve God in another context or another setting, do not just walk blindly into it by any means, but by all means seek and serve God where you are at while working towards where he has called you.
In the book of Joshua we see a very similar situation to what we face today. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Now, while the situation is different, the concept remains for you and I today. If God has called you to something, seek wisdom and counsel, but be strong and courageous! We serve a God who created the oceans and the stars. He is mindful of you and he cares for you so I say go for it! Maybe you will fall flat on your face or maybe, just maybe, you will go on the adventure of a lifetime.
Have you ever seen the ocean? When the waves are crashing all around you, the smell of salt in the air, the cry of seagulls above you, children playing in the waves, and the sun beating down around you, do you ever wonder at the power and strength of the ocean? How about the sun? When it comes riding through the afternoon sky on her fiery chariot, bringing warmth and light to everyone it touches, do you ever wonder at its power? Both of these creations represent, to a much smaller extent, how we should feel about God. I am reminded of Psalm 8 when the singer says, "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them" (Psalm 8:4 NIV). This is how I feel in response to this awesome God that I serve.
I am amazed that God would work in an individual like myself. I mean, I am not exactly the best candidate but neither were most of the people in the Bible. The Bible is full of people who were adulterers, murderers, liars, cheaters, blasphemers, and so many more that God used to fulfill his purpose. God uses people today that most people would not look at as worthwhile. Corrie Ten Boom is a good example. She was a woman who lived in Nazi-Occupied Holland and she saved numerous people from the regime. Pastor Saeed, who lived in Boise and is now imprisoned in Iran, is another example of the people that God is using throughout the world. Which leads me to this main point, "What am I doing with what God has given me?"
It is a legitimate question, what are you doing with the gifts that God has given you? Not for your salvation by any means, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, many people miss the verse right after that, which says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). God created us to do good works to those who are around us. Which leads me to ask again, "What are we doing with what God has given us?"
God has been seriously challenging me in my heart to give every part of who I am to seeking Him and to glorify Him. Each and everyone of us has to ask ourselves, what does that look like for us? For me, I am feeling a pull towards missionary work. I do not know what form that will take but it has been something that God has been challenging me in since my freshman year of Bible College. Perhaps I will try it and say that missions is not for me and I will serve the church in America. This is something that I have to try though. What would my life be worth if I continually just said no to what God would have me do? I mean really, if God says go somewhere, shouldn't we go? Maybe you are feeling that way right now. There is big opportunity to serve God in another context or another setting, do not just walk blindly into it by any means, but by all means seek and serve God where you are at while working towards where he has called you.
In the book of Joshua we see a very similar situation to what we face today. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Now, while the situation is different, the concept remains for you and I today. If God has called you to something, seek wisdom and counsel, but be strong and courageous! We serve a God who created the oceans and the stars. He is mindful of you and he cares for you so I say go for it! Maybe you will fall flat on your face or maybe, just maybe, you will go on the adventure of a lifetime.
Falling flat on my face has been an adventure! Trust and obey. Mature and make corrections. Wishing you the best adventures on your mission trips.
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