Our race route has been unique from many of the other races…front-loaded by European countries, Westernized cities and arguably easy living conditions. But would it be fair to make the argument that this has actually been more difficult in many ways on the racers than had we been immediately thrown into the slums of Africa? As I mentally begin to prepare for Kenya next month – I’m not sure if this statement is actually true…but our Westernized route has certainly brought it’s own set of challenges nonetheless.
Some days I think it would be “easy” to find purpose when you are living among the starving and dieing – surrounded by such need. But purpose can seemingly evade us on the busy streets of Istanbul where every modern convenience is accessible and every need, albeit material, is met.
It’s made many of us wrestle with purpose. Purpose this trip…purpose of our lives…purpose of the Gospel. But wrestle as we may…it seems the match always ends up the same way. Jesus wins.
I’m forced to remember the day the lights came on for me in faith. The day I actually came to a genuine understanding of having a personal relationship with Christ and the depths of it’s impact on my life…realizing in that moment…this changes everything. I was completely awestruck with revelation and gratitude.
Yet I wasn’t physically starving.
But I was dying.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
I live in a right relationship with God today because a few of my John Deere co-workers decided to make their every day lives their mission field. And while it may not have changed the AIDS crisis in Africa…it changed me.
God doesn’t play favorites. Not from the orphans in the slums of Africa to the Muslims on the busy streets of Turkey and every farm girl in Illinois in-between. He desires them all.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
I don’t have to be well versed…highly educated…or even have the ability to argue theology…I just have to be available to carry the message…the rest is up to Him…All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
(pic by Dan – pondering the deeper things in Ephesus theater) 🙂
Perhaps the greatest lesson living West…in the East…has been to make ourselves available when it doesn’t seem to matter…who knows…but that it just might matter most.
“I know your heart beats for the poor Brandy, and I know you’re ready for Africa. But I have this guy from the skater crowd in Turkey and I’ve been trying to get his attention for quite awhile now. If you’d go to Africa by means of the Middle East, I will orchestrate all of the million details needed for your encounter with him…which will ultimately draw him closer to me…I just need you to show up. Will you go?”
Sometimes I wish His marching orders were so clear. 🙂 But…it all worked out just the same.
