We spent the week doing manual labor in the Costa Rican sun. We’re working on a butterfly shed where our host family will harvest butterflies. The work is sweaty and physically draining, but it is so encouraging to see the fruit of our labor.
I’m finding myself escape into hard work, and fulfilled after long days. However, it also makes me that much more excited for adventure day. I was ready to check out and be free. Our host couple and a family who volunteers with the ministry we are working with spoiled us with a day full of exploring.
We had reached my favorite place of the day- hot springs. Nestled in the Costa Rican jungle was a lagoon that felt like a natural hot tub. It was Heavenly. We were lost in laughter and in complete awe of God’s creation. When the sun was beginning to set, we made our way back to our host family.
As we sat down we realized something incredibly special was occurring. Our host Donna Rosita was speaking with a couple and their young daughter. She was leading them to Christ.
As darkness surrounded us, we began to light candles so we could see. We sat, eagerly listening as this precious family accepted Jesus into their hearts.
God was painting a beautiful picture right before our eyes. We were sitting in hot springs- literally living water, and bringing light to the darkness.
John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’
John 1:4-5
In [God] was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
This family was making a life-changing decision, all because Donna Rosita took the time to have a conversation. She chose to step out.
My team and I had been reading and discussing John 3 the day before. In this passage, Jesus heals a man’s hand on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees were watching to see if He would heal on a day deemed for rest. He did, saying “is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to harm, to save a life or to kill?”.
Jesus knew the Sabbath was a day of rest, but in His selflessness He met a need that was placed in front of Him.
God taught me an important lesson. Adventure day was never mine to begin with. I can mentally and physically rest, but spiritually speaking there are no off days. God presents us with opportunity every single day.
We’re left with a choice- to be comfortable and choose to meet our own needs, or to live each and every moment making the most of any opportunity God sends our way.
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom for an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
