Truth and Dare
I read an article in Relevant Magazine today which lead to some deep reflection.
I think part of what deters a lot of people from going on The World Race is the fact that a year away from the states, life, family and secured future might mean that they are “missing out on God’s will”. What if I go on the race and miss my dream job offer? What if I leave and miss meeting my future spouse? What if I leave and I miss my friend’s weddings or my siblings graduation or the Pirates winning the World Series? (ok…if I miss the Pirates winning the World Series Imma be UPSET haha just kidding JC)
The thing is that following God’s will does not depend on whether or not we feel secure. This excerpt from the article in Relevant written by Michael Hidalgo (pastor of Denver Community Church) does a great job of explaining what im talking about
“God’s will, or what God wants, is the reconciliation of all things on earth or and in heaven. God’s will, what God desires, is that all men and women would be saved, and that none would suffer. God’s deep desire is the redemption, renewal and restoration of all things. He wants this so badly that Jesus shed his blood and gave his life so that He could restore peace and wholeness to our broken world. The biblical writers call this good news.
We do not have to grope about blindly in prayer hoping we hit some cosmic bulls eye called God’s will.
The amazing thing is not only does God want this, but he invites us to join with Him in His work in this world. Simply put: God’s will for us is that we join with Him in His redemptive work in this world. Which reframes our question about knowing and doing God’s will.”
Is it scary leaving this beautiful country for a year? yea
Do I wish I could get married, have kids and start a job working as an environmental scientist? that would be cool
Is it easy putting my faith in the Lord every day as I go out and try to raise $16,285 in order to be sent? NOPE
But…Is all this worth it? ENTIRELY 100% YES.
With over 300,000 Protestant churches in the United States, I am confident that the American people have a solid opportunity that they will at least hear the name of Jesus. But what about those who live in the 10/40 window where 3.6 billion people have never heard a clear representation of the gospel?
Are they responsible for knowing it in the same way that we are? Is it fair for them to be held to the same standard as us Americans who see a christian church located on the corner of every major road? Romans 1:19-20 states “For what can be known about God is manifest plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse”
The answer is Yes. Everyone is responsible for their own salvation because the glory of God is all around us, its unmistakable and everlasting. There is no picking apart and choosing which parts of the Bible we want to follow and believe. The truth is that millions of people are dying, not only physically guys….they are DYING. As in spending an eternity in hell, and it breaks my heart to know that I am sitting here on my fancy computer at a top university, attending school for free, writing a blog while watching LOST and people across the world are wondering to whom they can attribute the beauty around them and Who they can worship as they go throughout their day? Who will go and tell them about the steps it takes to believe in Jesus, and the sacrifice that God made for them when he sent his only son to live a life we could never dream of living and die a death that we deserve? Tim Keller spoke at our church once and while speaking he said (and this is a paraphrase from the notes I wrote during this sermon) The Great Commission is a call for everyone..the question you are asking God should not be “Lord, are you calling me over seas?” because he has already called us overseas, at least to be a part of sending missionaries overseas. Instead, your prayer should be “Are you calling me to stay within the United States?” More often than not, the answer will be no…and whether or not you agree has nothing to do with the fact that he has called you to go.
And so, although I desire all the things my classmate desire (im not a spiritual robot guys) I want to get married, I want a job, I want to have extra cash laying around….but above those things I realize that God’s will for my life does not include any of those things right now. Right now, he is sending me into a season of life where I can be sent. I can go to Eastern Europe, South Africa and Asia to tell people in waiting about the one who loves them more than anyone else, the one who has save them and has saved me. Jesus Christ (or as I like to call him, JC) haha
As for all the things Im “missing”…God doesn’t disregard our desires but wishes to enhance their quality by presenting them in his way and in his own timing. One analogy my pastor JD Greear uses is marriage is like running toward God every day…you just run and run and run some more….until one day you look over and see someone running beside you….you’re both still running toward God but now you run together. So heads up (especially family haha) whenever you ask me about why I’m taking a year “off” to travel the world and postpone “real” life I will most likely refer you to this blog. Because the World Race is real life, its not an excuse to postpone any of my desires or the desires you have for me but rather a way for me to serve my father in the best way I know how, by loving what he loves and serving those he came to serve.
Hope this gives you some insight into my thoughts about going, As most of you know I am not very forthright with my thoughts and emotions so not gonna lie posting this and being vulnerable kinda stinks but the Holy Spirit led me to write it so I know Jesus is proud whether 2 people or 20 people read it. So thankful for you all!
Your sister in Christ,
Drea
