Last week helped me understand my urgent call to missions. I went to a convention, in Indianapolis, through my campus ministry, Cru, called INDYCC. I wasn’t SUPER excited when I was leaving my house on a Wednesday morning because I thought, how could a convention really be as exciting, joyful, and life-changing as everyone proclaims? I was quickly proven wrong the second I got there. When we walked through the hotel, there was already such a great atmosphere, and I knew I made a good choice to give up part of my holiday break for God. Trip Lee, David Platt, and Beth Guckenberger were just a few of the most inspiring people who spoke at the convention. The theme of the convention was “It’s about time.” I feel like that phrase has a shameful feeling to it, but, at the same time, that’s kind of just what we need. I learned a lot about myself, and how I take advantage of time. A great quote by another one of our speakers, Darryl Smith, says, “God is not bound by time, but rather, He chose to give us time in order to glorify Him.” We can use every day, every second to give up our time for Him. Whether that be forming a stronger relationship with Him, sharing His love with others, or just enjoying the life that He’s given us.
Of course this isn’t as easy as it sounds, with us being sinners.
But God.
I LOVE these two words. Yeah, we struggle, we sin, we disobey, we ignore, BUT GOD! God is SO gracious! Christian life is not about struggling to be free, but we’re free to struggle because of our gracious God. He loves us even though we waste the precious time He’s given us, and that’s not a love you can find from strangers, friends, or even family. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16
We focused a lot on Paul’s story to show this amazing grace. The WORST of sinners, a “blasphemer, persecutor, and a violent man” was shown great mercy by God, given a second chance, and became one of the greatest of Jesus’ apostles. A man who hated Jesus, was given grace that made him want to share Jesus’ love. How CRAZY is that? Who could change such a terrible man?
But God.
I’m so completely thankful that I’m given these opportunities in my life to appreciate, understand, and love my God. Some people don’t get a chance to experience this mercy, and it breaks my heart. That is why I’m going. I just cannot stay seated and comfortable with my life. I have to go to all the nations and spread this great love. Another speaker, JD Greear, talked about how when we accepted Jesus as our savior, the call to be involved in missions and ministry was INCLUDED! It’s not an option we can just choose, it’s a package deal. Of course not everyone’s a go-er. People spread His love through careers, community, hobbies, family, etc. But doing nothing is disobeying. And that might be hard to hear, and it may be a little too harsh, but so is thinking about the lives that are lived without even hearing the name Jesus. God wants us to be uncomfortable in our faith because we grow through that. He will bring us complete joy through serving Him.
I’m really thankful for Cru being in my life because I don’t think I would be able to grow in my relationship with Him without this community. I cannot wait to see my faith continue to grow in 2017.
