Last night, I had the opportunity to hear Pastor Raul speak in church, and man, was he bringing some good preaching! He was talking about Genesis 22 where the Lord told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham was such a man of faith that he was ready to go through with the sacrifice the Lord asked of him.
Pastor Raul was then asking us what sacrifices we were willing to make to become servants of God. He specifically asked Denise what she had to give up to come on the World Race. But he took it another step further than just what material possessions people would give up. He asked the parents in the congregation whether they were willing to sacrifice what is most important to them – their children.
Pastor Raul has noticed that many Christian parents want to hold on to their children and keep them close, rather than allow them to become servants of Christ. They do not want their children to be cleaning the church, even though that cleaning the church is a way of serving God. Some parents do not want to let go of their children to allow them to follow their calling, because it would be difficult on them as parents to see their children go. So Pastor Raul was calling on the parents of the congregation to allow God to have their children and to use them as He sees fit. Abraham loved his son, but was ready to sacrifice Isaac because the Lord requested it. God rewarded his faith and provided an alternative sacrifice.
My parents’ support of this trip is incredibly important to me. I love that their support demonstrates their trust and faith in me. But now I realize that my parents’ support of my missions trip also demonstrates their faith in God. They are entrusting their daughter to the protection of our Father in Heaven. They trust me to take care of myself and make good choices, but they recognize that ultimately I am now truly in our Father’s care. They trust God to take care of me, and use me the way he sees fit. And to see that kind of faith in my parents, and to recognize it for what it is, is more inspiring that I can explain.
Mom and Dad, I love you both so much more than I can ever say. Thank you for your faith in me, and for entrusting me to the care of our Lord. I miss you guys so, so much, but I know that in 10 ½ months I’ll see you both again and it will be an amazing reunion. But for now, I know I am following Gods call in my life, and I know I have your love and support. And that is enough.
