This past week my squad and I were asked a few questions to help us process the last few months of our travel and ministry. We were also encouraged to share with our family and friends back home what the Lord has been teaching us in this season.
Honestly, it’s hard to fully process all of the people we have met, the places we have traveled to, and all of the emotions we have experienced. But I chose two questions that I wanted to share with you! One question is more of a reflection for myself, and the other question is more of a prayer for you.
What Have You Discovered?
-I am not defined by “my past.” I am a “new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17).
-True contentment is found in Christ and not in any past, present, or future circumstances.
-Forgiveness is a beautiful blessing from fellow believers.
-Eastern culture hospitality has amazed me and humbled me at the same time.
-UPG’s (Unreached People Groups) are no longer just a “statistic” for me. They now have faces. They now have names.
What Are Your Dreams For Your Family & Other Relationships?
What dreams could I dream for my family and friends back home? How could I possibly help you succeed in this life? How could God use this journey I’m traveling on to inspire your specific journey? As I’ve prayed through this question, three words came to my mind: peace, passion, and prosperity. Three concepts that I think will help you flourish no matter where you are in life.
–Peace
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
*I pray you feel the palpable, unchangeable, reliable peace that comes from our Creator. He knows there will be dark days and lonely roads. He knows there will be questions and struggles. He knows there will be joy and triumphs. But we “take heart” because in Him, in Jesus, we have perfect peace. We know we can face whatever challenge comes our way. We know we can take the next step of faith. We know He has a good plan for our future. We live in peace because He is peace!
–Passion
I Thessalonians 5:14-15
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
*I pray you see your worth in Christ. You are one of a kind! I pray you use your gifts and abilities to lead others to the cross. There is power in your testimony! I pray you see this hurting world. God considers you His fellow worker – His fellow friend! He wants to use you to help Him change the world!
–Prosperity
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
*I pray that possessions don’t possess you, but that the love of our Father possesses your heart. I pray that the resources He has given you can be used to help others in need, and not just used for selfish gain. I pray that your mind is consumed with our future home with Christ, and not just with this temporal home we find ourselves in today.
Overall, I pray that peace, passion, and prosperity usher you into new seasons of growth and change. You are wonderfully made and you have a powerful purpose in this life!
So these are the dreams that I have discovered for myself. These are the dreams I dream for you. But, Lord, let us not just simply dream, let us boldly live. And may Your Kingdom come.
Much love and until next time!
Melissa
Oswald Chambers
“Never hold anything in reserve. Pour yourself out…
Never be diplomatic and careful with the treasure God gives you.
This is poverty triumphant!”
