I’m in my last month. Month 11 of 11. Country 11 of 11. The last one before coming back to the States. It’s happening. I’m almost done. This chapter is closing.
I knew this was coming from the moment I left home. I knew it was going to be hard to leave the mission field. I knew I would experience life-changing things and that my relationship with the Father would grow immensely.
I’ve been taking time to process this insane journey lately and it has been challenging yet so very encouraging. I was asked by a sweet friend of mine a really great question; “What is one character trait the Lord has grown in you the most over this year’s journey?”. As I sat pondering my answer, the word content came to the forefront of my mind.
Definition – content: a state of peaceful happiness; satisfaction
In Philippians 4, Paul encourages his fellow believers in Philippi with this word:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Now I’m no Paul, but I can definitely relate. I’ve seen and experienced a lot in my mere 24 years on this earth. Most of this past year, I have been told where to go, what to do, who to live with, what to wear, and even what to eat. I was given some details about the type of ministry I’ll be doing and where I’ll be staying, but not always.
This lifestyle demands flexibility! Things don’t always go as planned. For instance, you may find yourself in situations you didn’t expect: your team’s lodging isn’t ready when you arrive so you tent for a night; you’re asked to move ministry locations several times in one month; you think you’re doing kids ministry when in reality you’re cleaning out a warehouse full of expired medical equipment; you get stuck at a border crossing; your flight gets delayed, etc etc. You get my drift.
From first glance when reading, you may be thinking, “Wow, I could never do that. How could someone just abandon their comforts and not really know where they’re going or what they’re going to do when they get there?”.
One of the many things I’ve learned this year and have been reminded of often is that this life is not my own. Amidst the many uncomfortable moments, I found my comfort in the Lord. Therefore, I’m content knowing that God is in control. There’s a sense of freedom that comes when you let go of the grip you have on your life and ask the Lord to take over.
Let’s get back to that definition of content. This year, I have truly learned what it means to live in peaceful happiness and satisfaction. Yeah, life is still really hard and frustrating at times, but the Lord has helped shift my focus on Him and off of myself. When I begin to look at my Father and spend time with Him, nothing else really matters. So what, I get stuck in an airport or find that I need to spend 2 weeks on a couch recovering from an accident and, therefore, miss out on ministry within the community and with my team. I can either choose frustration or peace, recognizing that I’m not the author of my life. The Lord continues to show me that in every season, He is near. Just as Paul says to the church of Philippi, this Race experience has helped me learn that in whatever situation I’m in to be content because it is God alone who strengthens me.
As I wrap up my time here on the field (for now), I know my future on earth is uncertain and this next season I’m heading into is unknown. But, I know my Dad is still good, caring, and loves me a whole lot. In that, I’m content and excited to see what’s coming.
“Every moment of your life is an opportunity to sit in the Father’s love and be used.” – me
Thanks for stopping by!
~A
