It’s crazy to me how fast this month has flown by. Isn’t it interesting the way time works? One moment you feel like you’ve just arrived to a new place, but then you realize you’ve been here for weeks and it’s began to feel like home.. I’m learning that four weeks is a good amount of time to transition, adjust, and fully embrace the diversity of each nation I’m traveling to… though it’s still a different, new process every time!
God has used this month in Romania to remind me of my place in His kingdom. As a Christian, I have been set free from bondages of sin and live in full freedom of His grace. I am no longer a stranger, but have been adopted as a child of God, a co-heir with Christ. I’ve realized how often I know these facts, but forget to truly abide in them. I find myself carrying unnecessary weight on my shoulders, including questions about my future, relationships, setting high expectations for myself yet always dwelling on my failures, defeat, regret, etc. I’ve often forgotten to simply rest in the arms of my Daddy and trust in His ultimate control, far beyond my own capabilities.
Ephesians 1:6 talks about being seated with God in the heavenly realms, which is where we must start our Christian walk- sitting with Christ. Abiding in Him. Letting go of our entire control and resting in Him. One of my favorite quotes from Watchman Nee is,
“God is waiting till you cease to do. When you cease doing, then God will begin.”
I’ve realized my tendency of doing instead of letting God
accomplish His work in His perfect way.
This concept of resting in Christ has begun to change my perspective of ministry as well. Our ministry month in Romania has been relaxed and enjoyable. We have been able to rest, beginning our work day at 9:30 am, which was a nice change from our early mornings in Haiti. We’ve been doing lots of outdoor cleanup, painting, gardening, and other projects to prepare for the summer camp. We have developed relationships with our neighbors including Sophia, who provides fresh milk every day for us, as well as the oldest and most adorable Romania lady in the village named Mariska, who at age 93 gardens her crops faithfully each day and stays up late at night watching Romania sermons.
Though I believe God has given our teams an opportunity to be refreshed by His blessings this month, I’ve often found myself almost feeling guilty, as though I should be doing more. I feel too comfortable, searching for ways to remain dependent on God and not myself or my own pleasures. But then I picture myself seated with God, at His banquet feast, in the heavenly places, and I realize I’m in the wrong. God delights in me as His child, His lover! He loves pouring out His blessings onto His children. He’s constantly showering us with love, yet we are often distracted or don’t feel worthy of receiving them. Whether in small or big ways, I’m learning to be in a constant attitude of sitting with my Lord and being content with simply gazing upon His face 🙂
Here are some pictures of our month in Romania!
This is one of the many adorable houses in our small village…
Me and my teammate, Chris, with our joyful, bubbly friend Sophia!
Working hard plowing a garden! Random fact about Romanians: they love to burn their grass instead of cutting it.
Me and Mariska, who still sings like an angel at the age of 93! 🙂
