It’s funny how things change. Before I left Oz, I was so excited to start an adventure. Travelling for 4 months and then following Jesus’ calling to love and serve people in 11 countries in 11 months; I was pumped! I’ve been away from home for 9 months now and I’m about to start my 5th month of the World Race. I’m exhausted. Moving from country to country and serving incredible ministries around the world has been a life-changing experience. However, investing in a group of 51 people that you may not never associate with is hard work, and right now, I’m over it.
I believe that every single person on my squad has been made in the perfect image of God and has been called on this trip for a purpose. I know I’ve been called to love every individual and to build them up, but why is it so hard? Why does it take so much effort? Every time I read the bible, I’m always amazed by how Jesus does it. He takes so much time and effort to love his disciples and the people around him, despite them hurting Him, walking away from Him and not reciprocating the love that He abundantly gives them. And the crazy thing is, He CONTINUES to love them and spend time investing in them. How does He do it and why does he do it? It sometimes seems so pointless.
Reading the bible today, God spoke to me through two verses in Galatians 6:9-10 which says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” So even though I want to give up and I can’t wait til this race is over, I continue to follow and obey Jesus’ calling to love my brothers and sisters in Christ; knowing that ‘at the proper time [I] will reap a harvest.’ Also, when else will I ever get to invest in 50 amazing American, Canadian and El Salvadorian believers? This may be my only chance and I need to make the most of it. Also this is what Jesus would do.
What kind of people has God surrounded you with? Do you love them or are there some whom you’re struggling to love? If you look past the qualities that you are struggling with, what great and unique qualities can you see in them that made you want to hang out with them in the first place? God created all of you in His perfect image and He loves each of you unconditionally and equally. Can you use some of God’s abundant love to love them? God promises great things in store for those who choose to follow Him, so what are you waiting for? This may be your only chance to make a difference in the life of somebody else. Will you join me in setting aside your differences and continue to love people well?
