Originally, Part 4 was going to be about love. But as I struggle to be concise with the lessons that God has taught me in that area, I have decided to make that a seperate blog series to be posted at a later date. It should be coming soon!
But, ss I type about the ways in which I have grown this year, God is revealing the testimony that pours forth from the work he has done this year. There are many days that I do not see the continual new creation that he transforms me into, but reflecting back in an incredible encouragement as I see all of the work He has done. The more I die to myself, the more He is able to work in me and through me. Coming on a trip like the World Race, whether you want to or not you have to give up your rights. By living in community and committing to a year of unknown ministry, you give up the choice of what you will do, who you will spend your time with, and where you will go. It is nothing short of miraculous what God can do in your life when you give up control and allow him to work. Reflecting back, I can see the significance of letting God be the navigator and simply turning the steering wheel wherever he directs.
It is funny how until I sat down and really spent time reflecting on my year and the ways in which God has been working in me, that I could not see the growth. Through emails from Jose which could be a couple times a week or even only once a month, I can see the amazing transforming work God has done in his life. But, so often, it is more difficult to see and recognize transformation within ourselves. As a result, if we can’t see God working, we can be easily discouraged and we can forget or lose sight of giving God credit for the work He has done. Just as I sometimes struggle to see the ways in which God has been working and transforming me, I imagine that you at home may struggle with the same things. I want to encourage you to take the time to stop and reflect. Be intentional with sitting down and identifying at least three ways in which God has been working and transforming you in the past month or even this year. Don’t wait until it is time to write the annual Christmas letter to reflect. God is working in us and through us all the time. Acknowledge those things in your life now and give God the credit and the glory. At the same time, be encouraged by the work God is doing in your life. God is not up in heaven sleeping while you are down here working hard. Amidst day to day life, don’t lose sight of what God is doing in you and through you.
