We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I’m expecting…
Honestly, I’m expecting the unexpected. I’m expecting to become a different person than the one who set out eleven months before. I’m expecting to be rocked by God.
I think if we truly had expectations for a trip like this, it would
somehow put limits on God. God has no limits, yet I believe we have the tendency to
put Him inside a nicely-wrapped box that feels safe… and
understandable… and secure to us. But the seams on that box are
ripping, tearing, and busting open. God wants out. He wants to blow our
minds. I think it’s time we let Him move in our lives the way He
desires to. “…YOUR kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, NIV).
somehow put limits on God. God has no limits, yet I believe we have the tendency to
put Him inside a nicely-wrapped box that feels safe… and
understandable… and secure to us. But the seams on that box are
ripping, tearing, and busting open. God wants out. He wants to blow our
minds. I think it’s time we let Him move in our lives the way He
desires to. “…YOUR kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, NIV).
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:17-21, NIV).
I love that verse. I have no idea what God is going to do… but He knows that… and He likes it! I believe He is a playful God, full of the best surprises for His children. His love is so “wide”, “long”, “high”, and “deep” that it “surpasses knowledge” … and He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” So therefore, I am unable to truly know or imagine what God has in store for me on this adventure… but I can only guess it’s going to be the trip of a lifetime with my heavenly Daddy and His beautiful people. I AM SO EXCITED!!!
More realistically though… all theology aside… 😉
I am expecting to be used as a light, tool, and witness for Jesus. I am expecting to be His hands and feet in this world. In turn, I am expecting to see the light of Christ in others and to be taught, touched, and transformed in ways I could never dream of. I am expecting to sincerely smile more than I once thought physically possible. I am expecting to serve some of the world’s poorest and live in simplicity and solidarity with them. I am expecting to build lifelong friendships – with the members of my team and with people around the world. I am expecting to step out of my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual comfort zone. I am expecting to eat a few bugs (and/ or other interesting critters that I never before considered to be food). I am expecting to understand what it’s like to only have a few changes of clothes. I am expecting to witness miracles. Daily. I am expecting to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance, strength, wisdom, and provision to a higher degree than I ever have before. I am expecting to experience insane amounts of JOY… and maybe a little laughter. 😉 I am expecting to be torn apart as we depart each country and leave people who have become family. I am expecting to experience the public transportation systems in third-world countries in all their glory… yes! I am expecting to be exposed, broken, transformed, and made new by the grace of God. I am expecting my heart to be even more ignited for His people and His purposes in this world. I am expecting new passions to arise. I am expecting the need to process through A LOT of s t u f f on the field. I am expecting to be tired. I am expecting to see God at work in ways I’ve only dreamed about. And I’ll say it again… I can expect a lot of things… but ultimately… I’m expecting the Lord to be on the move in indescribable ways and for me to simply attempt to grasp onto the reigns.
I am expecting the unexpected. 😉
