I am Ryan, a child of God and I am engaged.
As you all know, I just spent an exhausting yet rewarding 10 days training in Georgia.
I learned and grew A LOT! I soaked up tons of valuable information in a short amount of time. I had very little time to process. So this week that’s what I’ve been doing, processing.
One of the many lessons that stuck with me after training was to be fully engaged in the present. Every moment is a chance to please The Lord, and every day is a mission. Yeah that’s right, you don’t have to go on a mission trip to be a disciple who makes disciples.
Matthew 28:19 says-
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
That’s a command. Not all of us are called overseas or even out of state. We can make disciples right here at home. Now as for me, I have been called overseas. That doesn’t mean I can kick back and wait until August to start telling others about Jesus. I have to stay fully engaged in the present, constantly praying and looking for opportunities to spread the Gospel. I want to be a 24/7 evangelist. I want to fearlessly and boldly take risks. To live uncomfortably for Jesus will be the greatest comfort in my life.
I’ve often found myself struggling with that. I’ve noticed that I am more aware of my struggle this week. I’m either way too engaged in the past
(Reminiscing my wonderful time at training) or way too engaged in the future (overplaying scenarios of what this next year will look like).
When I am engaged in the past or future I’m missing all the life and opportunities right here in the present.
So I have been praying all day everyday, to be fully engaged in the present WITH GOD.
It’s getting better, and The Lord put these words on my heart:
” Training was amazing! But it’s over, use what you learned and grow more. This mission trip will be amazing! But it will end and then what? Be present where you are always! Live each day as a mission, instead of waiting for “the trips”, to finally start engaging with God.”
Wow! I can’t think that up myself people! That was straight from the Father. I am staying fully engaged right here in the present. How will I do this?
This next 5 weeks I will:
Enjoy my last days with a job and work with integrity
Enjoy my rest and “American Comfort” AKA Blessings.
Enjoy my time with family and friends
Enjoy my home church and serve every way I can
And I will definitely enjoy my alone time with Jesus, worshipping praying and constantly seeking opportunities to share His love! Right here in the present.
That being said, I am now present so I can prepare to be absent. Absent from this comfortable luxurious life I live. Absent from everything I know. So that I can be present in the unknown, WITH GOD.
I am Ryan, a child of God and I am engaged.
