Sometimes I find myself swinging back and forth between feelings of earth-shaking joy and crushing discouragement. There are moments when the distance between me and my loved ones at home, including my nephew who I have yet to meet, make me wonder if this is all worth it... But then I take a step back and see how God has brought us here, and everything He is doing in and through us here... And suddenly my doubts fade away and all I can feel is... Anointed. Called out. Incredibly Loved.
You probably know the story of the Prodigal Son. The prodigal returns from squandering the father's money and the father rejoices over him with a big party. His brother is all mad because he thinks it's unfair that his father is lavishing his love on the prodigal while he, the faithful and forgotten brother, has been there working all that time. What the father says is so profound, and has changed the way I view my relationship with God. The father says, "my son, you are always with me and everything I have is yours." (Luke 15:31). I think I have always thought I was the prodigal, thinking I have to beg God to take me back after whatever my latest sin was... But God has been calling me out of that mindset.
I am the older brother in the story, finally realizing what I truly have available to me. God is calling me out to a greater life with Him than I have ever had before. A life without fear, or doubt, or the feeling that I have somehow been forgotten by God. He is always with me, and everything He has is mine. Let that radical statement really hit you and you will be wrecked for regular life.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me.
Boom. All excused shattered. The only times I am discouraged are the moments I forget who I am in Christ and the power He has given me to live victoriously. I am a beloved child of Almighty God and I have the Holy Spirit living in me. And if He could bring Christ back from the dead, I'm pretty sure He can handle anything I throw at Him.
During our week as translators with Recycled Lives we saw multiple people recieve physical healing, including a little girl be delivered from dengue fever. Dave preached his first sermon and we taught about the Jesus to a group of about 50 kids every day. Back at home we graduated our first class out of our literacy school and they all are reading the Bible for themselves and their children. God is working in people's lives, and the joy of getting to be a part of it is AMAZING!
Today a woman came to my door to ask about enroling her daughter in our next school. It starts next Wednesday. She asked if her daughter needed to bring any supplies and I told her that no, everything is provided and free. She was so thankful and excited that her daughter would finally have the chance to learn to read... And I was so excited because I know that our class is more than just a literacy class... Before every class we have a Bible study and after we have coffee time where we have a chance to minister personally to each student. This girl is about to hear about the God who loves her and wants to fill her with unspeakable joy! There is nothing more exciting than that!
We are not orphans in this world. We have a Father who loves us and wants to give us abundant life if we will only be brave enough to step out in faith and follow Him. So off we go...
"Do not be afraid little flock, for it pleases your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will not be exhausted, where no theif comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." -Luke 12:32-34.
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