A concept that has repeatedly been presented before me in my quiet times is serving. When I think of what it means to genuinely serve, I think of living out love. There is a sense of duty, but there is also a purity and willingness. Well how I enact my ideas of serving are something that I am excited to have challenged as part of my World Race adventure. I want reformation in my concept of living out love because when it’s difficult to engage the problems I see in the world, I’m oftentimes tempted to throw in the towel rather than look to the Lord for renewal. It’s easier to forfeit than to persist because continuing the fight causes growth and change in my life that is rarely comfortable. Feel free to call me crazy, but I really enjoy being comfortable!
Something I’m learning from this is the value in stretching beyond my comfort zones. I think I’m best able to do this through serving. This thought process started by asking: what are some ways to be a servant? Well, I’m beginning to realize the limit does not exist! We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I’m excited about revitalizing my faith by claiming that there is no burnout when serving Jesus. A friend of mine said burning out is one of the biggest lies Christians tell themselves. In Isaiah 58:9-11 “You will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am […] He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” If I believe the Lord is my strength and that I am called to serve His kingdom, then serving needs to be the posture of my heart in all things, not just in my free time or when it feels convenient. This brings me so much encouragement as I reflect on pursuing God for eleven months because it is a guarantee that I will not always be comfortable during that time. The mission ahead of me may seem daunting, but there is fulfillment and purpose that come alongside serving God. I am praying to view my circumstances as opportunities to meet and grow with Jesus. I’m going to engage this challenge and would love your support and input in doing so!
PS#1: My first fundraising deadline is $5,000 by May 13th and I have been so blessed to be close to this point. Thank to all who have supported me! If you would like to help me in meeting this goal, please contribute by May 1st to allow for processing time.
PS#2: To honor two of many significant days in March, March 2nd was the day to Spread the Word to End the Word and March 21st was World Downs Syndrome Day. I think an incredibly manageable way for us to serve the Kingdom is to respect the inherent beauty in God’s creation and communicate inclusively. A wise person summarized the Spread the Word movement as follows: “This word has been applied to many people over the years and, to a small extent, it describes a piece of their life. So when “retarded” is misused to replace another word like “stupid” or “idiotic” it implies that those to whom the label applies are stupid and idiotic.”
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read this and hear part of my journey!
