So, it's been over two and a half months since I've posted a blog:
1. I surrender internet use and blogging in general really easily.
2. Up until this month internet has been scarce and required diligence to acquire. (see #1)
I've been in Africa the past three months, where God has used me in big ways and taught me even more. Blogs coming soon on all of that, but in a short description…
Tanzania = Eyes opened.
Malawi = Spiritual boot camp.
Swaziland = Totally satisfied.
I'm in Europe now, my last continent before returning home, which means a much higher chance of wifi and blog updates. Yay!
I have discovered at this point on my journey that God has given me the grace to be fully present where I am, which is a gift on this adventure of constant transition. It's easy to get lost in transition, getting into a cycle of just getting ready for the next move, but God calls me to be present in every day, every conversation, in every place. More and more I am growing into the fact that ministry is 24/7. Whether we are ministering in the church, the community, to the kids, in the structured ministry program, or to each other, life is ministry. And with that, I have required the wisdom of God in how to live ministry in balance.
I am more focused externally than internally, most of the time, and what comes with this truth is the eye that sees everything that needs to be done. In my flesh, this can easily turn into a "Martha spirit" with me focusing on all the tasks and forgetting to "sit at Jesus' feet," taking the time to be still, pray, talk with God, and read the Word. Add being in constant community to my super-awareness and you get me coming to the end of my day realizing I never took time to be quiet before the Lord. I talk to Him all day long, pray throughout the day, and have worship songs playing through my mind; but the quiet place is a special place… it's like taking the time to call a friend and just focusing on that conversation, or going to lunch and hearing what's new in your lunch-date's world, or sitting on the couch with your parent and hearing stories and sharing plans and dreams… it's taking the time to be alone with God and that time is precious in a Christian's life.
Praise Jesus! for He is my constant companion and nothing can separate me from His love. After a period of struggling with not having some really good quiet time, it was time for me to "go up to the mountain!" I took the time to get alone with God, separating myself from everybody, leaving the team mission house, and asking God to meet me in the quiet place. No people, no music, no words, no Bible reading, just Him, that's all I wanted. And in that moment, I found rest, joy, peace. I had worried I had failed Him not taking more time to be with Him, but no, all I felt was His understanding and grace. I was so comforted and relaxed that I actually fell asleep in His presence. I'm not sure how long I slept, it was only for a short period, but it felt like it paralleled to days.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Heading back to the team house, I felt lighter and since have been able to approach every day with confidence and joy, celebrating the fact that life is ministry, knowing that my God sees me, understands me, and knows my heart, and loving the truth that He does meet us when we call for Him.
Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
God has shown me that my external focus and super-awareness in the Spirit means I have the gift of administration. He's teaching me so much about how in the Spirit, He uses all of my characteristics for good, even my stubbornness… I REFUSE to let the enemy beat me or take my joy!!!
I am so excited for the next two and a half months and beyond. I believe this is the best time to be a Christian…. or maybe I'm just now really tapping into the delight of the Lord, either way, it is GOOD!
Life abundant, Love abounding. ~Monica
