Our time in New Zealand is coming to a close. It's sad really. We've all built relationships with our ministry contacts here, and they have been so good to us. I will remember New Zealand as possibly the most beautiful place that I have ever seen. With no snakes, alligators, or poison ivy around us, everything outside is so inviting.
Before all of the World Racers went our separate ways to begin our ministries, we had a day on the beach. There was a huge mountain sitting in the water begging for attention. So Trevor and I began to hike and climb every bit of it we could. The views were amazing no matter where we looked! The water was the clearest blue water that I have ever seen! I had the excitement of a child! I felt courageous! I wanted to explore! I wanted there to be something dangerous that I could overcome! I wanted adventure!
I kept thinking, "This is the abundant life that Jesus spoke about!" No worries, no fears, no doubts. Just my Father and me enjoying His creation. I'm convinced now that when God created everything we see, He had us in mind. Of course He did! And you probably already knew that. But have you ever really thought about it? Or the fact that He would create in us a desire that can only be satisfied by Him? I believe that's why we have the excitement like that of little children when we receive what our heart desires.
Trevor and I took a walk through the woods here at Narrows Park earlier this week. We headed down the steep hills looking for the river at the bottom. When we found it, the current looked pretty rough. We quickly jumped in and began to simply drift down stream.
I began to compare the river with its strong current to God's will for us. Sure we can stand ankle deep and still be in His will. We can go even further by venturing waist deep. The only hindrance with only being ankle or waist deep is that we still have a little control over how much we're going in.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could just surrender to God's will for our lives? Just jump in the river and allow God to carry us anywhere He knew was best for us? Sure we may land on some unfamiliar banks. Sure we may not be happy with where the current takes us, and sure we may not even be pleased with the speed of the current. But can we, His children, lose control of our lives and truly offer it to the One who knows what's best? Perhaps we will find our abundant life when we live according to His will.
