Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30)
Before coming overseas, leaving America and everything that was normal and comfortable to me seemed like a huge sacrifice. I thought I was giving up so much by diverting from my career plans and diving into an unknown world. I assumed that being obedient to the call I sensed to go to the unreached meant denying my own needs and joy, and living a life defined by sacrifice.
As time has gone on, however, as I have grown more in understanding of the Word and experienced living out that transition to an unknown world, I've realized my presumptions were mistaken in many ways. Of course there have been challenges resulting from the decision, but blessings have honestly outweighed them. I'm starting to gain a deeper experiential understanding of Mark 10:29-30. Obedience at many times in my life hasn't seemed appealing, but I'm growing to understand that there is ultimately more resulting satisfaction and joy to be found. I'm just like Peter--I needed that rebuke, and I got it!
One big example is all my new friends, of which more than 20 gathered to wish me a Happy Birthday!