Expecations of My Missions Trip

I have avoided writing this blog because I feel like over the last 3 years God has been working on me to let go of “expectations”.  I have had a track record of expecting things in relationships, ministry, jobs, my future, etc.  These expecations have in turn led to disappointment, broken relationships, career changes and so on.  However, as I have sought the Lord and searched my heart there are things I hope, pray and expect to happen on The World Race.  A quick disclaimer of the Lord’s sense of humor:  I finally sat down and spent an hour writing this blog, tried to upload a picture and Internet Explorer errored; I lost my post.  So here is round 2.  Maybe there was something else the Lord wanted me to say. 

 

One of my favorite quotes by Thomas a’ Kempis says, “Give to us, O Lord, steadfast hearts that cannot be dragged down by false loves; Give us courageous hearts that cannot be worn down by trouble; Give us righteous hearts that cannot be sidetracked by unholy or unworthy goals.  Give to us also, O Lord and God, understanding to know You, diligence to look for You, wisdom to recognize You, and a faithfulness to see You face to face.” 

 

This quote is a prayer that has resignated in my heart as I have longed for the Lord to change and transform me, it will continue to be my prayer over this next year and the rest of my life here on earth.  I expect to be changed and transformed more into the image of Christ.  I expect to be broken, of my own sins and for the sins of this world.  I expect to see some of the most heartbreaking circumstances.  I expect to question God at times and for my faith to be tested.  I expect to meet the most joyful people on this earth and see the Spirit of Christ living in them.  I expect to see people through the eyes of our Father, to have His compassion, His mercy, His grace and His love.  I expect to forgive and to be forgiven.  I expect to miss my family and friends.  I expect to develop a new family as we live authentically and challenge and point each other to Christ.  I expect to be lonely and afraid at times.  I expect to serve and love those God puts in my path in the best way I know how.  I expect to die to myself.  I expect to see miracles and signs testifying to the Kingdom of God that is within us here on earth.  I expect to be humbled.  I expect to be stripped completely of my independence and need for control.  I expect to work as a team.  I expect to see God daily, to acknowledge it and to declare it outloud to those in my presence.  I expect to lead people to Christ.  I expect to see people transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  I expect to be hungry and learn what it truly means “to live on the Word of God”.  I expect to give grace and to receive grace.  I expect to be frustrated and hurt.  I expect to live a simpler life.  I expect to be exposed.  I expect to grow.  I expect to see God’s beauty all over the place!  I expect my passion for the nations to grow deeper.  I expect to have fun, give lots of hugs, cry, laugh, smile, sing, dance, eat crazy foods, sleep in random places, not use toilet paper, take cold showers, live on an incredibly tight budget, wear skirts often, see the God’s heart for this world and have a once in a lifetime opportunity!  I expect to KNOW, TRUST, BELIEVE and LOVE God more!

 

These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”