These words of truth came from the lips of Jesus Himself. I want that kind of confidence in my ministry, my life. That kind of trust in the LORD. I know many of you are just dying to know what my next step is. Working with World Race Re-entry tools has helped me get a better grasp on this, both for my past and future…
At training camp last year, I remember being somewhat frustrated with the focus on self that seemed to theme the first few days of camp. Hello! I’m a missionary going around the world, first step is to admit it’s not about me…right?
Yeah, it’s a good realization to come to, but, like C. S. Lewis says, “To defeat the darkness out there we must defeat the darkness inside ourselves.”
So we have to deal with the junk within us before we can ever try to deal with other people’s. How can a soldier fight in battle if he is ill?
I have to know where I came from and where I am going in order to be effective in ministry. Not in a control freak, my life is planned out in my smart phoneand on post-its, but in a way of confidence. In way that trusts in the LORD- not my own understanding. A way that I know where I’ve gone wrong and what I’ve been saved from. I have to know my weaknesses and my redemption. My story.
I’ve got to know where I’m headed. What’s my purpose? What’s my objective, my aim?
Abraham didn’t always know where he was going, but what he did know, he went with… I know God. I know He is my Creator, Abba Father, Redeemer, Lover of my very core.
These words have been spoken over me by people right here with me and by those back home, too. Where I am is where I BELONG.
I belong in the presence of my Savior. My Abba. I delight in His glory and long to cultivate His presence, the richness of being with Christ, in His arms.
The irony of this, and proof that God is sovereign over all circumstances, is that even as these words are spoken over me, I’m entering into a major stage of transition. Transition off the Race and out of this subculture and into the American society that I’m still not sure I’m fit for. Everything around me is changing: people, places, job, food, culture, everything. Yet, I am right WHERE I BELONG. God called me to this and for this right now.
The other day, my teammate Jessie shared a great analogy with me. She explained that you can change the cover of a book, new title, new pictures, whatever, but the contents of the book remain unchanged. She meant it in regards to people trying desperately to be someone they are not, but I think it can fit here, too. Even if this season of my life is over and a new one is on the horizon, even if everything about my surroundings is about to flip, the contents of my soul will not change. The things I’ve seen and the growth I’ve acquired will not vanish or fade.
So I really can be right where I belong, in the most perfect place even in the midst of a life in transit. Because this perfect place is satisfied in the presence of my God.
And there’s no place I’d rather be.
