From birthstones to gravestones, diamond rings to marble statues, humankind has used stones from the beginning of time to mark significant memories of life; births, deaths, engagements, victory in war, and monuments to great people. Why is a stone the object of choice? They are durable, slow to age, solid, and often times remarkably beautiful. Stones symbolize a permanence reaching beyond our short term life spans.
God knows that we need tangible reminders of our encounters with him. No matter how life changing an event may be, our memories cannot always retain the impact. We forget. As a result we forget to share with our peers, and eventually our children. In the book of Joshua God instructed him as Israel’s leader to build a memorial of stones when God piled up the waters of Jordan so that the Israelites could walk across the dry riverbed, similarly as he parted the waters of the red sea. The memorial was to be a visible reminder that he would lead their children across a sea of obstacles for generations to come.
Being in Costa Rica has been incredibly memorable. God has stretched me, pursued me, wiped my tears, and he has challenged me. Before we launched in September we spent 3 days at a hotel preparing; mentally and spiritually. We were surrounded by people that worked for AIM and about 400 world racers. They held sessions every day, where different people would speak to us, encourage us, pour into us, pray for us, and prepare us for what we were about to encounter. They challenged us in many different ways, one of which was to take mementos with us. To leave them in each country as a reminder of something we were leaving behind. Something we were giving to God and no longer allowing to claim bondage over our lives. For the past 4 weeks I have prayed and contemplated what this months’ memento might be. I prayed and sought God while evaluating what I learned this month, how did I see him working in me, and what did he try to teach me? I wrote in a previous blog that God had continually been teaching me about control. Mainly that I was NOT in control. I always try to dictate, make plans, and conform people to who and how “I want” them to be. Slowly he has taken the reigns from me and showed me what I already knew but did not want to admit; “HE is in control.” This has been a hard pill to swallow. But through people loving me, encouraging me, challenging me, and calling me higher; I have come to realize the beauty of not being in control. It’s quite a heavy burden to carry, being everyone’s Mother and maid. But I am done. I care entirely way too much about what other people are doing, when, why, and how they are doing it. When really, none of that matters. I have probably missed so many opportunities with people and with God because I am focused on everyone else’s business but my own.
Tuesday night was my turn to plan team time. ( the seven of us gather everyday for reflection and conversation about where we stand individually and as a group) I decided to escort the team out to the beach right at sunset. I shared with them about what I learned at camp this summer about being EMPTY. I asked them what they will leave behind in this would that had value. How would people remember them? I shared a passage of scripture in 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 Paul says “For I am Already being poured out like a drink offering; and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Back in those days a sacrifice was made on an alter and a drink offering was poured over the sacrifice. EVERY drop. When Paul left this world he was COMPLETELY EMPTY. He accomplished everything that God sent him to do. I want to live my life like Paul. I want to know I left it ALL. I poured out every last drop, for him. There is a realization here: you CAN’T halfheartedly serve God. You need to be completely empty.
My month in Costa Rica has been challenging yet rewarding. There has been much growth, but; if we don’t learn in the growing process we didn’t really grow at all. What I learned is I don’t want to carry around this control; having it hinder my relationships with people and ultimately hindering my relationship with God. Without recognizing this I would carry this burden of Control into the coming months having it weigh me down not allowing me to minister to others effectively or possibly grow myself. So I challenged my team on the beach that night to choose a stone from the selection I presented. I asked them to pray and ask God what he wants them to leave behind in Costa Rica. What can they pour out, so that God can fill up in its place. On my rock I wrote CONTROL. I want Jesus to control my thoughts, my desires, my plans, my future, and my life. The symbolism in this process is a reminder of what happened at Jaco beach on October 5th 2015. I surrendered giving up control to God, allowing him to have full control over me. We laced our fingers in a circle and prayed that the power of Jesus would break chains, release bondage, and bring freedom to our lives over the things that consumed us. We threw those rocks into the ocean that night. Laying them at his feet. And walking away from Jaco a different person. With a new heart, a clean slate, and a hopeful future that we looked a little more like our maker. As I looked out over the vast ocean I was reminded of how big God is, although I was minimally obedient I am grateful he is not minimally faithful and does not minimally bless us. As I listened to the waves crash and squiggled my toes in the sand Psalm 103: 12 rang out in my heart “I cast these things as far as the east is from the west.” Complete peace came over me, and an unexplainable sense of freedom.
What are you facing today? Whatever the challenge, do you believe that God can part the deep and flowing waters? Take a moment to ask God to reveal his presence and his power. I encourage you to find some kind of stone or tangible object to serve as a visual reminder of Gods power to intervene in your journey. (It can be a stone, a keepsake, or note from a friend, anything you want) Put it in a place where you will see it regularly and place it also in your heart not forgetting where you were but remembering where he brought you. Use this memento as a physical reminder of this moment, for both you and generations to come. God cares deeply that you remember his goodness and cast those burdens into the waves.
Galatians 5:1 It is for Freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened AGAIN to that which enslaved you.
