That’s what I’ve gotta keep telling myself. Because you see… I hesitate, overthink, stop myself, doubt, question everything, etc. And in the end I usually don’t make the most of the situation. I spend far too much time in my head that I run out of time miss opportunities to live life in the present to the fullest. I’m learning that instead of asking one million questions I only need to ask one: will this bring life or death? That’s it.
Should I compliment this person? Yes, that brings life!
Should I call this person higher in love? Yes, that ultimately leads to life as well!
Should I share this verse I feel like the Lord just plopped in my head? Yes, because the Word brings life!
Should I pray for this person? Yes, because having people fight for you brings life!
Should I reach out to spend intentional time with this person? Yes, pursuing people like Jesus brings life!
Should I say how I’m really feeling? Yes, because honesty and vulnerability bring people together to live an abundant life in unity!
Wow, that makes it a lot easier to make decisions! For someone who struggles to make a simple choice at a fast-food restaurant, anything significant is much more challenging. Replaying possible situations in my head doesn’t help me. And neither does weighing out the pros and cons. Choosing life and yielding the the Spirit’s direction is ultimately what’s going to the bear the most fruit. I hold on to the hope that even if I mess up, all things will work together for good. No trust or faith is required when you have 100% certainty- they gray area is what leads to that fight or flight decision to stand on your beliefs. And the Lord has been opening my eyes more and more to these truths each day. So my time in Myanmar has been a lot of just doing the dang thing.
Get invited to help facilitate discussion at an English class by a monk? Sure! Why not? I get to show people the love of Christ while helping them practice a practical skill and learning more about each other’s cultures.
Attending services and events at local churches? Of course! I’ve loved seeing what God is doing here through people living in Myanmar and am happy to be a part of it.
Doing team devotionals every morning at local coffee shops? Yes! It’s so encouraging to hear different perspectives from my teammates and come together to study the word.
Supporting our squadmate as she got to perform at an open mic night at a bar and share a song she wrote about Jesus? Absolutely! It was incredible to see her do ministry she is so passionate about.
Going on a walking tour through all the historical sites in the city? For sure! Learning about the history of Myanmar and which countries have had influence here in the past has helped broaden my understanding of the country.
Eating at Krispy Kreme every day? Okay… that one probably brings more death to my body, but it definitely gives my taste buds life haha.
I don’t want this month of ATL (Ask the Lord) ministry in Myanmar to pass me by. I want to make the most of every moment. I love having the freedom to follow where the Spirit is leading me in day to day life. It’s so much more natural than the structure of having a formal host with a set schedule every day. And the less time I spend overthinking minor decisions, the more time I can spend doing what God is calling me to do. Most times a quiet spirit is required to hear His voice, and when my mind is loud and filled with so many of my own thoughts, I’m not truly listening to hear what He has to say. So I’m not wasting time paralyzed, overanalyzing the little things anymore. I’m choosing to speak and bring life with me everywhere I go.
-Catherine
P.S. I am still about $3,535 away from being fully funded. So if you would like to support me and the ministry we have been doing, you can donate at the link at the top of the page. Or my Venmo is @CatherineChoquette. I’m turning 23 on February 18th so you would like to donate $23 in honor of my birthday that would be rad! Thank you all for how much you have supported me in every way! I really appreciate it 🙂
