Dear readers,
I thought for a long time about this blog before typing it up. A lot of blog-worthy stuff has been happening and I couldn’t decide what to write about. Both fortunately and unfortunately, all the other members of Team Manna have been blogging on all those events. And to a certain extent, it is okay to double up on blog topics to get different points of view. But seven people talking about the same thing is a bit excessive. So for info on things like the Carnival and orphan house praises, please see the other blog pages of Team Manna at www.theworldrace.org under Jan 09 teams.
As for now I want to just take some time to go over the things that God has been doing in me so far this year. Coming into this race, I prayed that God would humble me throughout this year. Well in short, he heard that prayer and decided to answer it with feeling! Everyday, without fail, God has very pointed out my prideful nature and convicted me to change at least 4 times a day. Multiply that by the 50 days that we have been out here, and that equals 200 convicting moments from God. That is exhausting. I asked God if I could have a break, and He pointed out that humility is a lifelong thing. He said if I wanted to finish in time I better get going:)
The things that He has been showing me are pride in my humor (which is not exactly popular on Team Manna), pride in my knowledge (which is as folly in sight of God), and pride in my servant’s heart (which has been stretched thin to see how much I don’t want to serve.) For instance, I wouldn’t always get credit for the things I have done (I’m sure by influence of God) to show my true motivation for doing things. Is it so I get credit and fuel my pride or so God, and God alone, is to be glorified and given ALL the credit. It’s been tough, but that’s what we signed up for. It’s been depressing, but that’s why I need God. It’s been humbling, but that’s what I prayed for.
Another way He’s been humbling me is by showing me how much I don’t have rights to. Like I don’t have the right to my expectations of God. I don’t have the right to have control over my situation. I don’t have the right to 3 square meals a day. I don’t have the right to social acceptance. I don’t even neccesarily have the right to the water trudge up the hill to the guest house. And the best part is that God has been showing me that it’s okay. His grace is sufficient. I count my blessings a lot higher now. And pray for humility with more zeal.
Your servant through the grace of God,
Nate
