While I was on my two hour bus ride going home from a long day of ministry I found myself looking out the window and reflecting on where the Lord had lead me and where he is about to take me. While I was observing the sights, colors, conversations, and culture of Ecuador I noticed a young girl who’s parents had just bought her ice cream. I watched her ask and I watched her parents show favor on her and allow her this simple pleasure.
Soon after, our bus stopped and the doors opened. Letting go of her father’s hand, she ran ahead to jump onto the bus that would take her to the wrong location. She quickly and briefly looked back for confirmation that she was headed with confidence towards the correct bus, but her father shook his head. As if that wasn’t enough to stop her, she then glanced at her mother who gently confirmed her misunderstanding.
Immediately I realized what the Lord was teaching me through this encounter. I’ve been wrestling with God, earnestly and eagerly running ahead of his plans for the here and now. I’ve been letting go of His hand of wisdom and running towards a future I’m not ready to receive yet. He has just blessed me with the sweetest time here in San Antonio, Ecuador. I’m serving in a spirit-filled house church with generous hosts who love and pour into me more than I could ever ask for. And still, despite this sweet gift of favor I find myself asking Him “what’s next?”
This convicted me to my core. I realized that all my life I have been waiting for the future, and once I get there I’m never satisfied because I believe there must be something better despite the answered prayers. Why have I become so eager to move ahead of Him, to run to the next bus that will take me somewhere He does not have prepared for me? Why do I look back at Him and not immediately accept his command. I find myself seeking more confirmation just as that little girl sought out confirmation from her mother. But just as her father and mother, I see the Lord staring back at me with eyes of grace and love. Speaking patience into my soul. Askiong me to enjoy the gifts He has given me in every day moments. He sees my passion and understands my heart. He continually confirms the place I am going with the place I am now because of His favor. I can trust in the future He has for me because I see the way He hears me and shows favor in the present.
Although I came on the World Race to discover the future the Lord has for me in missions, I am reminded daily of the life he has called me to now. Seeking the here and now can be more difficult than seeking out the future, and I pray we all can understand just how precious life can become when we choose to live for Him day my day. Whether that be through the little flowers on the side of the road, the laughter of a child, the encouraging word of a friend, the still small voice we hear in the wind. May we have confidence in where Jesus has us now, and have unwavering faith in the future He is preparing for us.
Ministry Update:
On this first month of the Race, I am working in San Antonio, Ecuador working in a house church called Casa Del Dabar. They are a spirit-filled community eager to hear the Lord’s voice and obey. My ministry hosts, Caro and Gladis continue to feed us both spiritually and physically. I’m pretty sure I’ve gained 5 pounds in the past two weeks. But like they always tell us, when our stomachs are full their hearts are content. So we eat. All. The. Time. We are teaching English in the community and ww painted the community center where our classes take place. God has also given me two separate opportunities to paint murals here, which has been the biggest blessing! I’m always amazed at how the Lord gives me opportunities to share this gift around the world, and this time I get to include others into the painting process and bless our ministry host and our cooks. More on our cooks here at home in Quito- they are amazing. Mabe and Fabi are funny, encouraging, intentional, and so loving to all. Mabe and I have weekly art lessons on Fridays and I am so blessed to see her regain her motivation for ministry through the little art therapy I know. Art therapy is awesome guys. I am a firm believer in the power Jesus has though art. These past two weeks have been amazing, and the fact that I get to paint every single day to glorify His name is just another way the Lord hears our hearts.
