Can you all believe that I am already on Month 7? Time has just flown by so fast, since leaving in January. My first five months in Asia are done, and I’m now in Macedonia. I have one more month in Eastern Europe after this, then I’m off to Africa. CRAZY!
If there is one thing I have learned through my race, it is to take time to rest. I know this seems like such a simple thing, but it often becomes overlooked with on the race.
When you find yourself in a new country you want to see everything, try everything, and dive into ministry full force. Throughout the month, you become so busy that you realize it’s almost time to leave, and you still haven’t made time to get the rest you promised yourself you would get two months ago. But then once again, it’s a crazy travel day and another new country.
Now, I’m not talking about just rest from taking a cat nap or lounging around watching Netflix. Naps are awesome, and I am such a fan, but good rest in The Lord is what I’m talking about. A lifestyle of living from a place of Sabbath.
I had forgotten to sit back and let Him fill me up, as I was constantly pouring out. I was constantly feeling tired, but a tiredness that a nap couldn’t cure. I was feeling drained, and couldn’t figure out why.
I forgot to take time for me, to just be alone, even if only for one hour, and let God fill me up again. I forgot to let Him lead the way, and was doing everything out of my own strength instead of in His. No wonder I was feeling so out of energy.
But, I was reminded at this last debrief of the importance of pressing into Him, always, especially when you feel you don’t need to. It is so important as a missionary, whether that be overseas or not, to fill up, and let go. To go back to the basics, and remember that even God rested himself, therefore, we should be too!
When we stop depending on Him, and start depending on ourselves, we are cheating ourselves of the wonders He can do. We can only do so much on our own, but with God, there are no limits. When we allow ourselves to rest in His glory and wonder, we are letting Him be in charge.
Exodus 33:14
“ The Lord replied, “ My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
