Its Month 11. The end is in sight. The next country that I will step foot in is America (minus the layover in Dubai). This is an end of a "era", the end of a journey. Stepping off that plane will be the beginning of something new, of a new season.
When I have faced dramatic ends in my life thus far such as graduating from college, finishing up six month of ministry in Amsterdam etc., I have taken the attitude of push HARD to the end and then I can rest. I often feel the desire live out 2 Timothy 4:7 which says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
So here is another season ending. Here is another experience where I desire to give it all I got, to finish strong…But is that what ending the race really means? Are we suppose to finish the race strong, pour out every last ounce just to come home to America empty?
Yes, I am going home different from when I left. I have changed, I have grown, I have matured in my faith. I have seen the poorest of the poor, I have prayed and witnessed miracles, I have experienced 11 different cultures and my eyes have been open to things I never thought I would see. I have experienced God in new and exciting ways; the way I see the world and God is dramatical changed. But these are experiences, these are internal changes and though they are amazing and irreplaceable, is that all I am bringing home? That and some souvenirs? When I step off on that plane on August 1st, is that all I am bringing back with me?
NO
God is calling for refreshment amongst those returning home. He does not want us to leave the Race tried, beat down, with a lack of motivation for the gospel after living it out for the last 11 months. He wants us to be so fired up by our experienced and filled to the brim with the spirit that we can't help but pour out his love on our friends and family.
Hebrew 12:1-2 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great of cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…"
So its month 11. You are tried, worn out, looking forward to American food, driving your car, seeing friends and family etc. But there is more to look forward to than that. You have the opportunity to take the ministry focused mindset you have developed these last 11 months and bless your community with it. You get to pray for people, you get to give words of knowledge and pour at God's love just as you have done before through the strength and love of Jesus.
So UVWX squad, we are in month 11 and I pray that as we continue to process reentry and get ready to go home that we press into God's refreshment. As we focus on this last ministry we give everything we have but we don't leave every ounce on the field. Instead, we use this month to be filled with Spirit more than ever before; that we are refreshed and rejuvenated to take on the next stage of our race. Our mission to love the lost and bring hope to others DOES NOT finish at the beginning of August. God has called us to take the ministry we have started and finish it wherever He puts us. AAThis is not an ending but the launching pad into the next season that each of us are called to.
