People love to have lived a great story…but few people like the work that it takes to make it happen. We like comfort and order…we like what’s familiar…it gives us a sense of control…we know what to expect next. We often resist change and only change when we are forced to change.
My “story” has changed drastically. It was a decision that I made to come on this adventure, but now that it’s begun…I realize that I have very little control over the things that are going to be taking place in my life over the next 11 months…it’s scary and exciting all at the same time. It has made me think about the “story” I was living back home. I went to work and church, did some household chores, worked out, watched TV, hung out with friends, played mindless games on my phone or computer…but what was I really doing to bring God’s kingdom to this world? When I get home, will I go back to living the same life? Will that be enough?
Before I left, there was a “Share-a-thon” on 89.3 KSBJ. It is a time when the station raises all of the funds that are necessary for it to be on air for the entire year…commercial free. I have always considered giving in the past, but never followed through. I had the attitude of “what can my $25 a month really accomplish?” But then I heard one of the DJs say, “The way that you spend your money shows other people what you think is important in life. What are you making investments in?” I thought about my bank statement… $30 for LA Fitness…$100 for AT&T…$500 for rent…and so on.
I totally felt God tugging at my heart and convicting me to give to the station. I found myself listening to it more and more, and I could tell a difference in my attitude when I listened because of the spiritual encouragement and uplifting songs. So why was I hesitant to make a donation…I kept thinking that I wouldn’t have an income for the next year and I selfishly wanted to hang on the money that I did have…what if I didn’t have a job when I got back, or I needed it for an emergency flight home. But God reminded me of all the fundraising that I had been doing for this mission trip…of all the people who had so unselfishly given above and beyond what I ever could have expected. I’ve heard people say, “All that I have is a gift from God. It’s not really mine”… but this was the first time I was really living it and trusting God with the circumstances. I heard Him loud and clear, so I took a deep breath, decided to trust that He knew what He was doing, and made the call. I know it is a small thing, but when I hung up the phone, I was ecstatic. It wasn’t about the money…it was about listening to and trusting God…it was about investing in something that might change someone’s life forever. I realized that by the way we live our “story”…the way we spend our time, the way that we spend our money…tells people what we think is important.
So I want to challenge you…Don’t be scared to make a change, to have a little chaos. Have courage and ambition to step into something that’s a little uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Commit to giving money to an orphanage in Rwanda, or go dig a well that provides clean water in a village in Africa, or volunteer at the Star of Hope, or throw a parade and invite your neighborhood to join in. DO SOMETHING!
Sometimes it might be hard, but trust that God knows what He’s doing and realize that it isn’t always about you, and He will begin to write a great “story” for your life. He will use your specific gifts to bring His kingdom HERE…you just have to be willing.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven.”
-Matthew 6:10
While in Quito, we were given the assignment to make a video of what changing the world looks like. This was a challenge …first, because I have no idea how to begin making a video. Sure I know how to turn on the camera and hit record or take a few pictures, but I am lost when it comes to putting the whole thing together…thank goodness the younger girls on my team are technologically savvy and can help me learn…second, I’m not really sure I know what changing the WORLD looks like. I anticipate that there will be days here when I will feel like the ministry that we’re doing isn’t really having an impact or drastically changing people’s lives…but I have to trust God…that this is His plan for my life…that I’m meeting and ministering to the people that He has intended for me to cross paths with…and that it will further His kingdom.
Changing the World Looks Like
