‘Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?’
is the caption that remains on Leonard Ravenhill’s gravestone. He was a Christian evangelist who made an expansive impact within the mission field. When I think of people who marked the world Christian movement my heart can’t help but to skip a beat at how epic their lives must have been. How their lives were lived for something much bigger than themselves. They are forever marked for living for and loving others wholeheartedly – enough to publicly define their love for Jesus and to lay their lives on the line no matter the weight.
Ever since I found out my acceptance to be a missionary with The World Race this past November, my thought life daily has been consumed with questions, concerns, excitement, possibilities, and relying on God’s provision completely for financial and emotional support. It is difficult to realize I have only 2 1/2 more months till I launch to India with my fellow team members to serve for the next year of my life. Living solely out of my backpack and entering into a new worldview becomes more a part of of my reality every day that passes. It is utterly surreal. There are no words to really describe the fluttering that dwells in the pit of my stomach every morning I wake up. I am willingly going overseas to serve, whatever the cost may be. There is the feeling of excitement, gratitude, and questions of the unknown all jumbled up into one crazy humbled heart that beats inside my chest.
When I think about cost, a life worth living, and leaving behind every comfort –everything I know – I think about how much Christ gave up for me.
1 John 3:16 reads, ‘This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.‘
He died for me and my sins. My sinful past, He covered, by giving His life on the cross. What more is it to give mine in serving? It isn’t even close to comparable!
The fact is…
You’re going to die.
Everyone will at some point.
There isn’t any escaping this reality.
Whether that’s a car accident on the way home from work today or on the world race.
I have had numerous people ask me questions like:
“Aren’t you afraid of catching ebola?”
“What if you get taken?”
“How do you know you will be safe?”
“Aren’t you scared?”
“Are you afraid of something happening, like you dying?”
If I am being honest, sure… any of these things could happen. However, to be afraid of living actually scares me more. My hope is to have a life that was worth living. One that reflects trust in God and is marked by astounding faith. Sometimes it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them – this is done in action rather than just a feeling. Serving others is done with a heart that does with no thought of receiving anything in return. I have said it on repeat and will continue to do so, “I believe the safest place you can be is exactly where God wants you to be!”
‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ –Hebrews 12:1-3
I desire to run the race before me, setting no limits on how or where God will use me. To run for Christ and not give up or in to fear. In God’s global cause, my hope is to participate in LIVING for and loving others across the nations wherever I can make the most strategic impact. That means not worrying about what may or may not occur, but to persevere in a purpose much bigger than myself. That purpose is now… even in this moment. A purpose that challenges people to live radical lives for Christ. And to stop living in fear, which isn’t really living at all.
‘There is no fear in love..’ -1 John 4:18
Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?
Does your life reflect living for yourself or for others?
Please consider partnering with me in helping others across the nations by clicking ‘Support Me!’ or you can contact me at my personal email: [email protected]
SHOUT OUT!:
A special heart-felt Thank you to JaLynn West and the Women’s Business League for allowing me to share my story last Friday at their luncheon! The questions and conversations were truly inspiring! Much love!
