Dear Me,
3 years ago. You were fresh out of college (with no student loans!), was offered a good starting job, and just got a new car. You were able to explore and live in different parts of the country while meeting new friends along the way. Life was going well!
But something was missing. Your heart had a desire that your mind couldn’t comprehend. You felt like you needed to do something or make a change.
You looked back on your college days. Some of the best memories and times were on the various mission trips you took with your friends. You couldn’t stop thinking about all those wonderful experiences.
You felt like God was calling you to become a missionary.
And so you listened. And then you pursued.
You began the process and contacted a organization you had visited before. It started with email and then Skype chats. Then it went to the interview process. And the final step was an in person visit.
You spent 10 days in Nicaragua. You experienced what you would be doing as a missionary. You went out into the local communities and helped with current projects. You met and talked with current missionaries. You even climbed a volcano!
And after all of that, God had given you an answer.
Hey Will,
I hope you had a safe trip back to the states! I just want to say….
We love you!
We’d love to have you on our team. We all think you’d be a great fit. Of course, I definitely want to be able to chat where we can talk about fundraising and a concrete plan for when you would want to start.
Until then, feel free to start letting people know and even raising money if you want!
Yaaaaaaay!
Kristin
You had been given the opportunity to become a full time missionary in Nicaragua! You checked all the boxes, jumped through all the hoops, and showed your heart and desire for missionary work. You were offered to work 2 full years with the potential of more.
But you didn’t take it. You let that opportunity slip away because of what?
Because you were too consumed of having a successful golf career?
Because you were scared of leaving your family?
Because you didn’t want to end a relationship you just started?
Because you didn’t want to leave the comfort and security you had established?
I think all of those are true, but I think this next one sums it up.
Was it because you called Jesus your Savior and not your Lord?
Woah! There’s a difference? Absolutely.
Jesus as a Savior emphasizes sins are forgiven. Jesus came and died to forgive us of our sins. And the first step that all Christians need to do is to accept Jesus into their lives and as Savior.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Jesus as Lord emphasizes a reorientation of life, which includes sins forgiven. It isn’t limited to Sunday, or a mid-week program, or more generally to the religious side of life. Instead, it lays at the center of life and thereby orients, shapes, and informs everything else.
Quite simply, calling Jesus Lord means you are no longer the king of your life. He is.
I think in today’s world many people have decided to make their Jesus their personal Savior, abut have yet to truly embrace him as Lord.
And so can you see why you didn’t take that missionary position 3 years ago? Would it be safe to say that you saw Jesus as your Savior and not your Lord?
Let’s fast forward to today. You’re less than two weeks away from launching on the World Race! You went through a similar process to get you to this point.
But what’s different from 3 years ago?
You’ve gone through many seasons of life and have learned to be a man of God. You’ve learned that being a Christian isn’t just a label, it’s a lifestyle. You’ve learned to take yourself off your throne and make Jesus your decision maker. You call Jesus your Lord and not just your Savior!
But remember this. It’s going to be a daily battle. You’re going to have to fight to keep calling Jesus Lord. It’s not a one time decision. This is a pursuit. A journey.
So go out into this world and be the church. Preach the gospel and grow the kingdom.
Because knowing Jesus is Lord will set your life free!
Sincerely,
Freedom
