So Close To The End, So Far From The Finish

Jesus says a lot of semi-confusing and difficult things…of them all, the most challenging was spoken to me roughly one year ago. His statement? More of a command, really: “Come. Follow me.” He didn’t leave much wiggle room for procrastination or excuse. So, I did the only thing I could do: I packed my bags and asked, “Where are we going?”

“Gi-gi and Rosally need to be bathed and tucked in at the orphanage in Malaybalay, Philippines. Dara needs your bible, and Sophal needs someone to help him memorize scripture in English in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Next you’ll go to Janet’s house in Port Kang, Malaysia-she’s got a good word for you. Patty and Sow at Freedom Bar in Phuket, Thailand need to be reminded that they cannot sell their bodies to men because I’ve already purchased them with my blood. Fi-fi in Kanombe, Rwanda needs a snuggle and some shoes. In Bungoma, Kenya you’ll meet Arnold-he’ll need prayer and protection from his abusive mother. PIA in Morogoro, Tanzania needs growth and encouragement in their congregations. Then you’ll travel to Ongole, India, where you’ll meet Joshua and Master-make sure they get plenty of cold water, and sing them a few songs-they love that! Subash needs fellowship and Darjay needs freedom from the monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Then we’re going to Dragonesti, where you’ll love a few of my sons-Orange, George and Alecs-they need a sense of belonging and brotherhood. When you’re finished there, I’ve got some Aussies and Dutchies that need encouragement and truth spoken to them in Ivankiev, Ukraine. And while you’re there, give Sasha and Danielle a hug and a friend. Let them know that I’m coming for them. After you’ve finished all of these things, return to the United States and seek me patiently and eagerly for further instruction.”

Here I am, eleven months later, looking back on every place and every person that I’ve seen God reach out and touch. He really does fill all things in all ways. All of this traveling has taught me something: coming home and unpacking my bags is only the beginning. As the world race draws to an end, I begin to see more clearly the next stretch of the course awaiting me. I’ve been called to something far greater than an eleven-month trip around the world. Please, don’t misunderstand me-this has been an INCREDIBLE adventure for me! But in the grand scheme of things, my calling and purpose far-outshine the flashiness and appeal of what we’ve been doing for the past year.

I have been called to bring God’s kingdom to this earth. I’ve been chosen to love radically, with holy passion and unreasonable faith. I’ve been chosen to receive the Lord’s inheritance. I am God’s beloved. I am the bride of Christ. I am royalty-the daughter of a king! I am a preacher, a nanny, a friend, a teacher, a writer, a bathroom-scrubber, a sister, a nurse, an artist, a chief, a storyteller…I am the Lord’s anointed. And with Him, I can do ALL things.

And I will.

People often ask, “What will you do when you finish the race?” I have three answers to that question:

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever. With my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” ~Psalm 89.1-2

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the lord all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods!” ~Psalm 96.1-4

10 days. I can hardly believe it! So close to the end, yet so very far from the finish. <><