Today I was driving four of the middle school girls I disciple to Starbucks so we could have our bi-weekly Bible study. As we were driving, two of the girls launched into a very enthusiastic rendition of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. Pretty soon, the other two girls in the car joined in. Before we knew it, the song was blaring through the speakers and we were all singing along together. As this sweet moment was unfolding, I couldn't help but think of what the next year will have in store for me and how
I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change, but until I try I'll never know! (sung in the voice of Elphaba)
Seriously, though…This next year will be about defying what the world says is impossible and proving that with God it's all possible. Trust me, I'm sure I'll be reminding myself of this on a daily basis. Come July when I leave for the journey of a lifetime and leave everything I'm comfortable with, everyone I know and love, food I know I enjoy eating, and long, hot showers (for those of you who know me well, you know that's pretty much every shower…oops) I'll be reminding myself that Christ has called me to defy the world (and myself) and follow Him.
"Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple." Luke 14:26-27
I know this is an adventure that God has long been preparing for me. For the past few years I've had a yearning and desire in my heart to have a BIG ADVENTURE. I've felt as though there's something bigger for me, more for me to see, and a world for me to experience. And now here it is. The adventure I've been expectantly waiting for. I'm excited beyond words and pee-my-pants nervous all at the same time. I'm excited because I finally feel as though I will have a chance to make my faith my own and oh-so-real. The chance to have it challenged, stretched, and grown. I feel like this is my chance to have my faith transformed to resemble faith like that of
Sarah who believed that she would have a child, even at an old age, because she believed in the ONE who made her that promise,
Noah who built an ark in the middle of a desert.
and Abraham who moved to an unknown land simply because God told him to,
and the others mentioned in the "Hall of Faith" (Hebrews 11). It's time for me to defy gravity.
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." Hebrews 11:1-2
