Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)
I am still just a young man, I’ve got a lot of growing still yet to do, but there’s one thing that I am absolutely and positively certain of which is this: God is real, He gave us a Promise that was fulfilled on the Cross, and that Fulfillment gave us new Life in Christ. I also know that when individuals exude their Faith in God, He has a way of providing for them in miraculous methods they never thought possible.
In December, 2015, I engraved on my left forearm a display of my Faith in Christ. And on March 23rd, 2017, I received another tattoo that displays the next step of that same Faith: The acknowledgement and acceptance of God’s calling to missions, a symbol that cannot be hidden in order to show the nations of this world the Faith that I have in my heart. The tattoo is of a compass and olive branches and they symbolize God’s protection, guidance, and leadership as I set out to travel the unknown on missions. Sailors and navy men would often get tattoos of compasses to signify safe passage and guidance on their ventures across the seas. This reigns true for me as well, as I go about sailing off on missions, this tattoo is a constant reminder of God’s calling and His presence over my life. This is my explanation and thoughts about the tattoo, and my absolute trust in God’s guidance…
Black & Blue
The tattoo that rests on the back of my hand, in bleak black ink, is a compass made by man to give them direction and guidance on the great seas. The compass I hold has a much greater sense of guidance and direction, a direction given to me by God. Atop of the compass, laying on the back of my wrist, are olive branches assisted with a vibrant blue background. These branches are symbolic of the same branches that were carried by the dove Noah released from the Ark to discover land. Though it took the dove several weeks, one day it returned with assurance that God’s promise to Noah would be kept, and that Noah’s faith was rewarded. God did not lead Noah astray, He guided and provided for Noah’s every need in ways Noah knew not possible. Guidance, Leadership, and Faith are what make the tattoo come alive and are symbols that represent my relationship with God.
And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold,
in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf.
So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth.
Genesis 8:11 (ESV)
I have taken upon a new mantle for my life. From a suicidal college student pursuing a life vacant of purpose, to a missionary in the pursuit of spreading Christ’s Gospel. My past struggles with the concept of death has made me weary of the travels ahead, but my Faith in God’s protection, guidance, and leadership has made me fearless of the waves that crash against me. God has called me to Missions through The World Race, and I intend to travel this mission trip with God at the helm, as He sails me calmly through turbulent storms. Through my unwavering faith in Christ, which I hold due to my previous season of growth, I refuse to falter to the challenges placed before me. God is on my side. God is leading me, and calling me, to missions. God has set me out on this venture across great and mighty seas, and though the waves before me may seem big my God is bigger still.
Truly, I could’ve stayed in school. And surely, I could stay safe and sound in my home with all my possessions. But I know that is not what God has planned for me; I know that’s not what God wants of me. I feel so deprived in my house full of comfort, and I feel so uncomfortable in simply being content with an unfulfilling ordinary life. I’ve been called for something greater. I have no fear of the dangers in this world because none of them could ever truly harm me. I have no doubt in my heart for the God I serve, for He loves me eternally. I will let loose the sails of my life, and continue toward this unknowable future at full-sail. For though I know not what lies ahead or where the seas my lead God does know, and my God never leaves His followers adrift or abandoned. He is with us, beside us, protecting and leading us on the path that He’s laid out for us to travel.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
I am constantly reminded in the Bible that God will never abandon us. He will always guide and lead us down paths He’s created and intended for us to follow. Of course, we as fallen beings may stray ourselves, but never because of God’s misguidance. My God has lifted me into the crow’s nest where I now see all things new, through Faith in a God who’s love knows no bounds. My calling is to missions. My path is laid straight. My command is to serve, to love, and to tell the nations the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So I go, to obey the calling placed on my heart, and race the world on missions serving as Christ once served, and washing the feet of those I meet. For I go in faith that I follow the path set out for me to walk. I hold true to the proof that is now engraved on the back of my hand as a constant reminder of God’s guidance. If I shall stand for nothing then I will fall for anything, but if I stand in Christ and hold fast to His teachings in my life then I will accomplish all things. Therefore, I will sail the seas set out in front of me, and stay true to the compass that guides and protects me.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
And how are they to preach unless they are sent?
As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
Today is the day
in which I take on the world through
the wind in my sails.
I will strive forward
into the current, and break through
the waves that strike my bow.
No worry, nor risk or fear,
will ever take my Faith from me.
I sail onward toward that single Northern Light
which marks the Treasure of my life.
