This blog is a bit all over the place, but its a product of me hashing out some frustrations. And it includes some fun scripture.
For this month in China, not having a host made things seem directionally challenged and even……not productive. That is something I think me and most people on this race have wrestled with on and off.
“God, what am I doing if my hands arnt moving or I cant see anything solid in front of me.”
We aarree called to be His hands and feet!!
So that means no matter where I am, or who I am with, host or not, I am always employed. Whatever is in front of me, a situation or a person I dont particularally like, its a gift from God.
An opportunity to practice loving like Him.
If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do dat…. Luke 6:34
The Most High is kind to the ungrateful… and I said “yes” to Love like that. If I continue to say yes..
I ought to belive I am being transformed to Love like that.
To serve as Love.
I have quickly learned that life is not about weather I feeeel productive or not.
Because if I set my thoughts (and essentially time) on the things He askes me to (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 3:8) I will be productive.
Its inevitable!!!
Me serving others in a scheduled “practial” way doesn’t save me or make me accepted by Him.
And even though I mentally understand that, it doesnt always sink into the heart where it should
I set out on this journey in January to not just do things for my God, but also with Him.
Naturally, When I do something with Someone, i have to listen to them.
I can’t listen to them if I dont know them.
Traveling to many countries has helped me to see some ways where the western culture including myself may have areas where I put more value on seeing tangible productivity rather than just taking the time to be with people.
& sitting still in prayer and solitude.
This adventure has been so much more relational than I thought it would be.
It has not frusturated me when our new friends want to show us the city, and what would be a 2 hour event in America turns into a 5 to 8hr day. (That is normal in the countries I have been in.)
In this situation I have two ways I can choose to think:
1)My precious time is wasted (because i “must” do this or that).
OR
2) I am employed
by the big Guy
who is the apple of my eye,
he is kinda, but not really, in the sky.
I cant controlle everything,
I dont even want to try.
And why would I,
I have the luxury this year of not really having anywhere to be, but the P-r-e-s-e-n-t.
Being constantly around 20 some people can be a distraction but it gives me great oppirtunity for prayer!!!
It is sooooo difficult for me to be still.
But God commands it.
Its a way we can draw close to Him.
John 15:10 If you obey My commands, you will remain in My Love……13 Greater l has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
And giving time to others, (Luke 11:30 Give to everyone who askes….) is a way for me to practice being selfless.
If I am even half of the time concernd with going after my own agenda, I miss out on a lot! I have seen me and my teammates miss out on letting God just provide. He wants to be our provider, will we let Him?!
Many Christians know: philip. 4:6 Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God, with thanksgiving.
But are we just hearing that yeah yeah knowing what it says, or are we doers… is it in our hearts, flowing from our body and language. (philipians 2:14).
God I am so thankfull that YOU are my defender, you are by my side never leaving me. And more thankfull that You wont leave me where You found me. I must trust you and stand on that. (Philip 1:6)
When the world and the body is broken, You have given me the choice of thankfullness. And you have clearly outlined my plan of action for the people who mistreat me (your daughter) and who ultimately mistreat You.
Prayer & Thankfulness
Produces
Boldness & Joy
P.s. I love China.
