It's been awhile since I've sat down and shared my thoughts. This could be because the final semester of my senior year has been insanely busy or because I've been waiting for something profound to share. It's true that I've been covered in schoolwork, fundraising and everyday life, but the whole "waiting for something profound to share" is a pretty lame reason for not blogging. Sometimes I tend to think that other people's lives are so much more exciting or that their work or ideas hold so much more significance than mine. What? I have the Holy Spirit power in me everyday…and that is definitely significant. This fact alone is exciting and awesome, not to mention that He works through everyday circumstances much more than full-blown miracles most of the time anyway.
I really like the passage in Acts 3 where Peter and John heal the crippled man at the Temple. It's a cool story because they were living their routine lives and then through the power of the Spirit, suddenly the day went from ordinary to extraordinary….a man who had been crippled for 40 years was healed by the Name of Jesus and a crowd gathered to hear Peter preach. Naturally, the Sadducees and priests were ticked off at them but these men deliver an amazing speech with the Holy Spirit's leading and the Bible says this of Peter and John: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)
I realize that leaving for Romania in July is going to be sooo exciting, but what about February to June? What about the routine days of class and studying? What about June 2012 when I come home? Am I only expecting exciting and awesome things from the Lord in other places and at other times? Can I live my ordinary life and expect God to show up however He wants…either by using me to touch one person's life or to address a large crowd? Lord, help me to be faithful in the ordinary routine of life so that I'm available any time You want to use me!
Don't we all like to reminisce about the past or daydream about the future instead of living and loving today?
Recently the Lord has put some people in my mind and on my heart that I need to continually pray for. I don't really know these individuals well; I don't really know much about them at all. Actually all I do know is that I've never had a conversation with them about the Lord or their personal faith (or lack thereof). On my walk to class I'll pray for them, or as I pass by them on the quad I'll ask the Lord to reveal Himself in a specific way. There are so many people who desperately need Christ. How great it would be for them to join the Body and to be used by Christ to do wonderful things for the Kingdom if only someone would take the initiative to invest in them to show God's love on a regular basis.
Since I only have around 3 months of college left, it would be easy to stay in my comfort zone, talk with those that I know and enjoy what time I have left. As a believer, the Holy Spirit has really been communicating to me the importance of loving people here and now. So what if there's only 3 months left? What if I used that time to share the name of Jesus? What if I took the time to encourage underclassmen who are here that will soon be the future leaders of the university?
Too many times we assume that nothing can be done about a situation, whether that be because of time limitations, financial issues, comfort barriers or cultural differences. When will we realize that GOD IS BIGGER? That He is our source and strength? That He alone can melt a heart of stone….BUT it's up to us as Christians to TAKE THE INITIATIVE. When will I quit taking the easy way out by saying, "I'm too weak, God has to do it for me" and learn to man up (can I use that expression as a woman?), take the first step and say, "Yes, on my own I'm weak, but in You I have Holy Spirit power and nothing can stand against Your Name, Jesus."
All of these thoughts are just coming together because they've been on my mind for some time. Isn't it more simple to sit back and wait for the Lord to do all the work rather than join with Him in the tough, scary, even disheartening times to bring Him glory? Don't get me wrong, I realize that we should acknowledge our weaknesses, but with the intention of asking God for strength. Then, when we do ask for strength, shouldn't we do something with it? If I ask for boldness and an opportunity to share Christ with someone, why would I sit back and mumble about my weakness instead of being strong in Him and for Him?
