A few days ago I left Colombia and traveled to Ecuador for three days. During my travel day(s) I spent time reflecting on what God taught me.
In all honesty my time in Colombia could have been better. I struggled to make connections with the people (or so I thought). I sat on the sidelines, of a lot of ministry, during the second half of our time in Colombia. I literally spent most days just going through the motions.
In the beginning I was really good about saying yes…I taught a class on Lazarus (see previous blog to see how that went!) and it was soo good. I saw God move through that lesson and the days that followed and I knew in that moment, He would work through me if I just said “yes” and followed in obedience.
Towards the latter part of the trip I stopped volunteering to teach even though I felt God saying “you can teach on this” and “they really need this truth Katlyn.” I just let other people step up to the plate and quit saying yes.
Since then and reflecting on all the times I didn’t follow God in obedience I am convicted to step into what He is calling me to do more of during my month in Ecuador.
Several spiritual reminders for me to reflect on were:
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Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
I have been reading this verse over and over the past few days! I felt called out (A LOT). I had said the same words Isaiah did months ago when I felt the Lord calling me to go on the World Race. I know without a doubt that I am meant to be here. However, I learned that we have to say “Here I am. Send me!” Every. Single. Day. Otherwise, it is really easy (at least for me) to sit on the sidelines of ministry and let other people work around you while you go through the motions.
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These lyrics from the Hymn I have Decided:
“I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, No turning back”
This song y’all! SO GOOD! I haven’t ever really grown up around hymns except for when I was younger. But Elevation Worship did a modern rendition of the song and I heard it for the first time on the bus. For me I listened to it over and over because it was another reminder that I decided at the age of 18 to follow Him and become a Christian. It reminded me that since then my whole purpose in life is to live a life that honors and glorifies my Heavenly Father. I am also called as a believer to go and tell the good news to all around me and share the love of our Heavenly Father.
As I prepare to travel to Portoviejo, Ecuador in the next couple of days my prayer is that this lesson about saying “yes” and following God in obedience, that I step into what He lays on my heart. Whether that be praying over a homeless man on the street, leading a bible study or teaching a bible lesson to kids, etc. I ask that you pray over me this next month that I live every day saying “Here I am. Send me!”
God bless,
Katlyn Benton
