Reality has taken its toll. I’m not in Columbia anymore. In fact, I find myself half way around the world in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The people look different. The language is Thai. The food is foreign. The cars (mostly mopeds) drive on a different side of the road. “Sawadee Krap,” they say, which means “Hello.” My entire reality has been turned upside down from what I have always known. From what I am comfortable with. From the things that I excite me. From family and close friends, neighbors and my qualified other. Yet God remains the same. “I am with you,” He whispers as I wipe my tears of loneliness. “Be not dismayed,” He declares, as His presence fills the room. Eradicating the loneliness and doubt from my mind and replacing the brokenness in my heart with an aloneness with the Spirit. And once again I find myself in a familiar place. Alone with Christ. Completely dependent on Him.
“I will strengthen you,” He asserts as my heart rate goes back up with excitement and chills cover my arms. “For I am your God,” He speaks, as He reconfirms just how omnipotent he truly is. Greater than any local god. Louder than foreign languages. Sweeter than distant foods. With more grace than the atmosphere can contain. And more real than my perceived reality.
“I have chosen you,” He says, moving my confidence back perfectly between pride and humility. “This is MY time,” He speaks, “But I need Zac.”
I am here Lord.
I do not understand it all.
But I am here.
Use me.
-Zac
