"What is your purpose in going?"
This is the question that looked me square in the face tonight. It came from a man I had just recently met. A man who knew very little about me and very little about my decision to go on the World Race. It was a genuine question. It was gentle in its approach, but like an arrow it aimed right at the center of the issue. After all, there is no point in going if you don't have a purpose, right?
I write this blog, because I figured those reading it would be interested in my answer to such a question.
My purpose and my motives in going had been swirling around in my head for an extended period of time. I knew this was where God was calling me, but my purpose in it had not yet become a completely solid, coherent thought able to be understood by others. (so far, is was several, seemingly separate points that had not been able to link up)
Something happened when he asked me that question. All the thoughts that had been swirling around in my head formed a line and marched out of my mouth. I even surprised myself at the conclusive and concise nature of my answer devoid of its usual "well, a little of this and a little of that, mixed with some more of this. oh wait! and don't forget that. um, well that's not exactly right either… lets shift a little this way… almost there" You get the idea, I hope.
Anyways, enough context, onto the matter at hand. My answer follows: I believe the Lord wants to solidify some things in my life that He has already begun working on. I believe there is some character that He wants to build in me and some areas that He wants to stretch and grow me. And in the midst of all that I hope and believe He will use me to minister to , to bless, and to share His love with those I will be serving while I'm gone. Those 3 short sentences comprised the answer that came out of my mouth. In them I see 3 clear objectives… 1.to continue to strengthen my foundation in trust and obedience to the Lord. 2.to become more like Him,and 3.to love others as myself. To know Christ and to make Him known is my purpose, and I believe that those 3 sentences are a glimpse into the framework of what it will look like during my season on the World Race.
Be blessed,
Shelley
