I can’t believe that it is 2014. This is a year of many changes in my life. I graduate from college. I go on the World Race. My next new years celebration will be somewhere in the world.
Over this new years, I was at a conference of Cru, an Christian organization that I have been involved in since my sophomore year. I had gone in previous years, but this year was especially incredible. I learned so much, and was convicted of many things. One of the speakers was KP Yohannon. He is a man who has pursued the Lord with his whole heart. He was also completely hilarious, describing his first experience with hot dogs when he came to America.
What he said really challenged me. He asked when was the last time we spent a day in prayer and fasting for other people. When was the last time that our faith was not about ourselves, but about others? I feel like especially in America we are such a self-centered society. Even when pursuing the Lord, it’s about how we’re growing, how we’re trusting in him, what we’re doing to mature in our faith, rather than focusing on God and his greatness and what he’s doing in the lives of others worldwide.
He also told us about how he loves fountain pens. He always has. But one time, he was sitting in his office writing, and he heard God speak to him. He asked KP, “What influence is that pen going to have in 50 years?” And KP was stuck by how temporary the things of this earth are. Sure, there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying fountain pens, but they’re things to enjoy here, and are not helping him to store up treasures in heaven. I don’t consider myself to be a material person, but so often I think to myself “I need this. I need that.” The only thing I need is the Lord. I need to focus on him. I don’t need that cute new sweater from Target, because I have a cute sweater that is pretty much the same. I don’t need to go out to lunch just because I don’t feel like cooking. Which is not to say that you shouldn’t indulge yourself occasionally. But I think it’s important to recognize the difference between needs and desires.
One of the last pieces of advice KP gave was to live simply. It’s something that will help distinguish between our needs and our desires. It will help us to focus on the Lord, and all that he is doing.
Going to this conference really affirmed in my mind that I am called to go on the World Race. I know that it’s not going to be easy. I have already seen that. My support has been very, very slow in coming in. But I know that the Lord is sovereign, and He will provide.
