Our time in Mbita is a blessing, and yet for me, it’s also a
stretching experience. This past
Sunday, I was encouraged to preach at a local church. All of my past attempts at sharing the word of God in front
of people have left me feeling defeated and worthless. And yet in humility I was able to share
a message God has been putting on my heart in the presence of other pastors and
their congregation. And as a
surprise to me, they and the rest of my team actually think I speak and teach
well. We’ve been talking in front
of people at youth rallies, praying for people in their homes, praying for the
sick, and watching people come to accept and know Jesus. Just a few days ago, a pastor and I
were able to encourage and convince a man to love and forgive as he was
battling over whether to avenge someone who stole from him. Who am I to be doing any of this!?
And yet, I think this is how life is meant to be. I think we’re taught so often that we
must have the strength within us.
The pressure to succeed on our own is intense. And for me, I often feel that if I
can’t do something just as good as someone else, my existence is without
purpose. In college, I’d often
beat myself up internally if someone else was better at anything. The very thought of relying on someone
else or even God meant death. It
was a perfect recipe for the downward spiral of self-hate that lasted for so
many years – and as I’m finding out here on the World Race – that I still struggle
with. And yet everyday I’m
learning that we are capable of so much when our source of life, creativity,
intelligence, and strength come from God!
In Genesis, Adam and Eve were created in the likeness of God. God created them and us to be like Him with
Him! And yet look
at what Satan tempts Adam and Eve with – he tempts them to distrust and walk
away from the intimacy that they had with Him. Why? So that
they could be like God – something they were already created to be!
One of the guys in our group believes that God is using this
time in Africa for us guys to be initiated as men – men of God. And I really think he’s right. We are all being challenged to step out
in faith and courage to boldly face past struggles and to do what seems
impossible to accomplish what God has put on our hearts. We’re beginning to see more everyday
that we can do amazing things – not because of anything within us – but because we get the incredible
privilege of being like God if we remain in constant intimacy with Him!
