I saw a church sign recently that said “Give God your pieces for His peace.”
I have a lot of pieces that I can’t fit together because I don’t know or understand the Master’s plan. In just three days I’ll fly away to a new community, a new country, new friends, new ministries, and a new perspective. But what happens to the old? How can I honor my family and community in the States while being fully present to what God calls me to do on the Race? How do I navigate a new world while still having ties to the old one? How do I commit to being everything God wants me to be on the mission field while allowing Him to prepare me and speak to me about the life I am called to have when I return home?
Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives. He tells us to seek first the kingdom of God, and when we have God-centered motives He will instruct us on how to take care of the practical matters of everyday life. In practice, this means I have examine my motives before taking action. I must ask myself before every phone call home, and every step on the mission field, am I doing this because I crave a closer relationship to God and His people or because I want to manipulate my situation to give me a greater sense of control. I must prayerfully seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit several times a day to teach me how to rejoice in my limited understanding because it allows me to trust God even more, deepening my connection to Him. A deeper connection to the very source of life and love itself means a more fruitful ministry and stronger relationships no matter the distance. It’s simple really. All I have to do is lay all my hopes, concerns, fears, and expectations at the throne of grace and trust Jesus, my best friend and great High Priest, to pray and instruct me moment by moment. I must leave behind all distractions so that I can be present to maintain and build quality relationships, both old and new. Each day, God will show me how past experiences and current relationships with friends and family at home are preparation for the new ones I will encounter in these next 11 months. Life prior to the Race and my experiences on the Race will no longer look like disconnected pieces. Instead, I will be able to see a seamless portrait portraying the Prince of Peace.
