O B E D I E N C E .
Every missionary has a story of how God directed him/her to the mission field- that constant "tug" they felt which lingered until they walked in obedience. For some it was as quick as a heartbeat to gladly give up their lives for the sake of spreading the Gospel. For others, it took more sacrifice…
It's been a combination of both in my life- obedience, sacrifice, as well as trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorites!). Ever since I was young, the Lord has given me a natural love for international people- growing up in the Middle East definitely had a BIG part in that! As I became a teenager, the Lord placed a deeper passion, a burn inside of my heart to reach the nations with His love. No matter what the cost, I would gladly give up my life for the Gospel.
No matter what the cost…how often do we use that phrase flippantly? Do we truly understand what that even looks like? It is often when we assume we are at a place of full surrender when God checks our hearts again. Just to make sure. This happened to me in high school when the Lord asked me the following question:
"Would you be willing to give up music for missions?"
It seemed random, and I fought with it for a bit. "Music is something I love, God! It's a way I can reach people with your love! Why would you ask me to give that up?" One hundred more questions entered my mind before I finally submitted to the Lord and answered with a "Yes, I would."
At the time it seemed pretty general.. however, this past year has definitely brought situations in which God already had prepared me for years ago when He asked me that question. Earlier this year I received the opportunity to travel the U.S. and Canada with Acquire the Fire to lead worship with my band for a 2 year contract. Though this seemed like an amazing open door, the Lord told me not to walk through. "Now is not the time," He said.
It was after this point that God told me to do the World Race.
God's timing is always purposeful and perfect. Though He asks us to give certain opportunities or situations up, He is always in control. I have learned that we have to just simply obey Him with open hands, fully surrendered and willing to serve in HIS way, not ours. If that means I never will play the piano again or receive an opportunity to lead worship in front of thousands, so be it! I am so excited to see what God has in store as He leads me down this path of surrendering music to Him for a season and pursuing missions. I cannot wait to see what He will do through the World Race and beyond! The ultimate goal is for HIS name to be known, and for us to be HIS hands and feet. And what a pure joy and pleasure that is! 🙂
