2 Timothy 2:7
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 1:13-14
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
It’s currently 5am, and I am wide awake. Gotta love jet-lag. I woke up just now thinking over the past week or so of travel that brought us from Indonesia over here to Estonia. Looking back, I see so much of the Father’s grace and loving kindness. There was a moment in particular that I almost missed God’s answer to my prayer and his blessing. What God has revealed to me is that it’s possible to miss his blessings. As Christ-followers, that should motivate us even more to be constantly in-tune with his Spirit in us and to throw off the desires of the flesh. That should fuel the fire that moves us into deeper and deeper intimate relationship with our Lord. In the moment I referenced when I almost missed his blessing, I was so full of selfishness and unnecessary frustration and insecurity. I’m so thankful that the Lord’s grace was sufficient in that moment, and that he provided a way to still experience his blessing. I know this example is pretty vague, but I still wanted to mention it so that those who read this will press-in to the Lord, for the sake of experiencing and receiving the numerous blessings he so desires to bestow on us as his children, and to not miss them.
On a different note, we arrived in Estonia yesterday. My team is the only team in Estonia, the other three teams on my squad are in Latvia for the month. We are near the city of Suuga, Estonia at a Baptist retreat center. The extreme change of scenery from what Southeast Asia is like was a bit of a culture shock as we drove the three hours from Riga, Latvia to the retreat center here near Suuga. So much space to move around. It’s gorgeous here, and so blissfully quiet. My soul shook with excitement as we were given a tour of the grounds. We are staying in a multi-room lodge that overlooks a lake. Oh yes, it’s cold here. It averages in the 50’s during the day, and can get down to just below freezing during the evenings. So far, it’s been a welcome change as SE Asia was so hot and humid. Our ministry this month here at this retreat center is to prepare for the upcoming retreat and camp season where many students and adults will flock here to get away from the business of life and draw near to the Lord. Much of what we will do is manual labor. Our ministry host’s name is Tanel, he is married with two boys – a beautiful family. They have been so encouraging and welcoming! They graciously made us dinner last night, and I have to say, I have put a lot of thought into what the cuisine change will look like. This is partly due to the fact that SE Asia provided a lot of unexpected spouts of diarrhea, and just overall inconsistent bowel movements which can really throw you off your game and can be pretty distracting in ministry. However, with extreme excitement I have got to announce that the food here is incredibly simple, yet delicious. Potatoes are a staple in their diet, as well as vegetables. We were also greeted by a local chocolate bar on the pillows on our beds. All of this aside, the tranquility of the environment here speaks so intimately to my introverted character. I foresee this month being one marked by much personal growth and more revelation into who God has uniquely created me to be. I also foresee our ministry as getting to prepare this place not only physically, but also spiritually, as we spend time getting things ready for all who will be coming here in the coming months. Already I feel convicted to pray over these grounds daily that all who enter would experience the peace of God – that this would be a place for personal revival and restoration, for rejuvenation. Jesus was so intentional about drawing away from the crowds and spending intimate alone time with the Father in a secluded place. This retreat center is that secluded place for so many to draw away from the bustles of life, and just be alone with the Father. We get to help set the stage for this place being one that is so conducive to drawing nearer and nearer to our Good Good Father. It’s a privilege to be here.
I look forward with eager expectation to share all that God does here in Estonia.
