Six months from now my squad and I will be in Swaziland, Africa. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real, but as time draws near I’m starting to see this is something that is actually happening. I am excited and can’t wait to go, but at the same time I am also terrified. We tend to get sucked into the routine and monotony of life and often find comfort in what we are familiar with, what we know is certain. Soon I will be leaving behind the comfort of knowing, in place of what is unknown. In the chaos of life, and all which seems uncertain or scary, I’m learning to lean on Him who is unchanging and certain. It is good to step away from what we find comfort in. That is where we often see the most growth. When we have no choice but to cling to the Father and His promises. That can be a scary thought, but is where I would like to be most.
People often exclaim how much of a sacrifice it is for me to seemingly put myself in danger or to sacrifice all my time and resources for this cause. But, I’ve learned that it is anything but a sacrifice. When we walk with a perspective of eternity, everything changes. When we understand the “sacrifices” we make for His kingdom and glory are nothing compared to what we will receive in heaven. David Livingstone (a Scottish Missionary who spent much time in the unreached places of Africa fighting against slavery and seeking to reach the African people with the gospel) spoke a very profound statement.
“Away with the word sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.”
