I have a teammate that constantly reminds me to be in awe. In the moments that I, after 10 months abroad, have become used to, she says, “What a crazy life we live, huh?” Some examples of these moments are when we are riding down a highway with our entire team of 7 in the back of a van, not in seats, but rather sitting on a mattress. Because it is so hot in Ecuador we ride with both van doors open. This is something that, 1) In the states would be illegal, and 2) at the beginning of the race, I would have been like, “What??” However, now it is just something that I am not surprised by. It is other moments like when you are standing on top of a mountain watching the sunset or swinging on a swing hanging off the side of a mountain or standing underneath a huge, powerful waterfall or maybe even just sitting at a Mexican restaurant with your two friends talking about Jesus, being surrounded by mountains and waterfalls in Ecuador. “Like what??”
How have I been honored and privileged to travel the world and share the love of Christ? How have I been able to see some of the most beautiful places in the entire world? The thing is, I have been honored to journey on this grand adventure and I have become used to it. I have become used to the things that should amaze me. I have let the beauty and vastness of the world become just another landscape. I have let my heart become numb to the true wow factor that not only creation is, but also that God is.
Here’s the thing, not only has the beauty of the world become mundane, but the gospel that I carry with me as well. I got into this habit of what the “good news” is and how I can share it. I have let my life giving news become a script that I can spout off with my eyes closed. I have let the extraordinary story of Jesus dying on a cross become an advertisement.
The great thing is, that Jesus never lets it stay that way. When I realized I have lost my awe and wonder of what I believe, He reminds me. He reminds me while sitting in that Mexican restaurant with my friends. He just speaks to my heart during one of their stories and reminds me of the life-giving, renewing, refreshing, love-filled news that I hold inside of me. Not only does He remind me of what I hold, but He also reminds me of the duty I have to give it away. He reminds me that it is my job to 1) Love God with everything inside of me. And 2) Love others as I love myself. He reminds me that He wants to use me as a vessel to share His love with those around me. He reminds me that missions is every moment of everyday. He reminds me that I need to be in constant prayer of how, when, and where He wants to use me. He reminds that His love is for everyone, not the ones I deem worthy or needy. He reminds me that I must fight for everyone around me.
So I challenge all of you, have you become comfortable? Have you let the urgency and power of God’s word dim? Have you not allowed Him to use you in moments you should have? Ask yourself these questions. Even better, ask God these questions and let Him remind you of who you are and what He created you to do.
God does not promise comfortability, nor does He promise safety, but He does promise that He will never leave nor forsake you. The gospel is not comfortable. The gospel is offensive. We have to be willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of others. We have to be willing to continually seek God so that we never let the uncomfortable become comfortable. Never let the moments that should take your breath away turn into the mundane.
These are the “two friends” Janine and Jackie! 🙂
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support! I’ll be home in 34 days and I can’t wait to catch up with all of you!
Love,
Gabbie 🙂
