This past month in Ukraine has been one of the best thus far. In fact, I can honestly say that it has tied with my month two in Cambodia for top month of my World Race so far. Despite all the people I met and formed friendships with and the time my team and I so cheerfully invested into the month, this was the month God used to call my purpose into action.
For those who don’t know, God has called me to teach. Teach His Word boldly and disciple His women wisely. Sound easy? Well, let’s just say I was super pumped until God started training me.
Life in Ukraine the past month was full of camps. Camps in Rivne and in outlying regions. Camps where we taught English through Bible studies. Camps where we served families with disabled members. Camps where The Holy Spirit showed up and moved.
#PTL
Through teaching English at camps for 2 weeks alongside my team mate Chris, I faced the beginning of my purpose training>>> enlightenment of my lack of qualification. Man did that suck more than I prepared for. Honestly, in my fleshly mindset, I didn’t even expect that step. I was jumping head first into the hands-on stage. In my mind, I was already prepared spiritually for my calling. I was ready to just start teaching and disciplining. I hadn’t even thought about the need to be spiritually molded for it first.
Looking back, I thank God for breaking me in those moments at English camp when my school teaching and language explanations were insufficient. Through the attack of the enemy’s lies-
“You can’t even teach English-your native language. How do you expect to teach God’s Word?! Something you haven’t even fully read through.”
“God can’t use someone as unqualified as you.”
“You’re not smart enough for God to use you.”
“You can’t disciple women. Look at your life. Look at how many issues you have!”
-and fighting them by reading the truths of God’s Word, I gained heart wisdom. I’ve always known in my head knowledge that God uses the weak and meek, but I never had to identify myself as a part of that category until this past month. This newfound revelation hurt, but reminded me that it’s never me or my strength or my words. It’s HIS that matter.
-HIS QUALIFICATIONS MASK MINE-
So as life continued on, God emptied me of the lies of the enemy, my expectations of God’s purpose for me, and all emotions attached. Now God is pouring into me – His empty temple – and it has space to hold and soak in everything He has for me.
Whatever this life brings to the table, my God brings bigger plans. I will not answer the question, “What happens when you get home from the WR?” with any answer other than “Whatever God has planned for me.” So family, friends, strangers, be prepared to see a daughter of the King of Kings who operates out of God’s timing, God’s plans, and God’s purpose.
