What I learned in Ukraine: There is an adventure to live!
As the country of Ukraine has passed and a new adventure in Moldova begins I wanted to reflect back upon what God has done and taught me in Ukraine. After the first week of Ukraine after our softball camp was finished, ministry really slowed down for us. We were supposed to do a second softball camp our second week there but the church had to cancel. At times it was really hard for me because we had a lot of spare time on our hands. I struggled with thinking about all the people that donated money for me and wondered what God was doing with me and felt like I wasn't doing much to help people.
Ireland was a hard month for me in many ways and on the way to Ukraine I felt like God told me that Ukraine was going to be a month of rest, healing, and peace. Ukraine was exactly what I needed. So many times in ministry I think that I have to be doing, doing, and doing. I am learning that it’s not so much what I do, but more of what I am becoming. I felt like God reminded me that it’s not so much what I do to others that matters, but more of what He is doing in me that truly matters.
This month was a time of getting back my first love in Christ and getting to spend time with him in ways that my heart and soul truly needed. I learned that even though it doesn’t feel like I am living a great adventure all the time, I am because I am living with Christ.
I am learning that once again it’s not so much about what I am doing to others, but what God is doing in me.” It’s about God shaping who I am with what happens along the way” – Love Does , 130
Here are a couple of quotes from once again the a book that God is inspiring me through so much: Love Does by Bob Goff. It has reminded me that I am living an adventure with Him.
When were on an adventure with God we’re too excited to be afraid and too engaged to be thinking of anything else – 133
“You don’t need to know everything when you were someone you trust” – 136
“The kind of adventure Jesus has invited us on doesn’t require an application or prerequisites. It’s just about deciding to take up the offer made by a father who wants us to come.” – 136 – Love does
* This month was such a blessed month! We became family with an amazing family that hosted us in Ukraine. I am continuing to learn the essence of being rather than doing. I was reminded me the importance of spending time with God, listening and being with Him. I was also reminded the importance of building relationships and friendships with others to share the love of Christ with people not in a ministry doing way, but in a life giving transforming way of loving them!
I was also reminded that so much of ministry is actually doing life with others. It’s living with them and experiencing, reflecting, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them in a deep, true, and real way!
* This month was difficult at times because once again I didn’t feel like I was doing much, but once again as I look back on what God was doing, I am reminded that God wasn't worried about what I was doing for others, but what He was doing in me. This was exactly what I needed because I can't take others places that I haven't been. He reminded me who He was to me and who I am to Him. He reminded me the essence of that frist love I had for Christ when I got saved 6 years ago. He reminded me of the faithful Father that He is and that He is always here for me and for us, even when we don't feel like He is. He reminded me that He is faithful to never leave us or forsake us and to be with us all the days of our lives – Matthew 28:20
" Surely I with you always, even to the very end of the age"
* In all great adventures you need times of rest, you need times of healing, and you need times of regaining your vision, your inspiration, and your purpose for the adventure!
Where ever your at today, know that your living a great adventure. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. Your living a great adventure with Jesus Christ and He gives more purpose to our lives that any job, relationship, or anything in this world ever could.
If you need to be inspired and awakened to the true life that God has created us all to live, I really recommend you to read the book called “Love Does” by Bob Goff. I promise I don’t work for him haha, I just have been so inspired through his book in such an awakening way and I want to share that with everyone I know!
Here is a song that I have been listening to a lot that has really helped remind me of how faithful God is in my and all of our lives. I have been listening to it a lot this month so I hope it inspires you! It's called "Never Once" by Matt Redman
Below is also a video of talking about what I have learned this month while I was on the train heading to Moldova!
God Bless you all and thanks for being a part of my life, your encouraging, loving, and supporting messages mean oh so much to me – thank you from the bottom of my heart!
