I have known the whole summer that this is about me getting to Germany so that I can share the Gospel. However, as I have progressed this summer I have found an issue with the first sentence in this blog. The issues are within the words me and I. In my past, I have struggled with control. I have been a follower of Christ since I was 17 but have failed often in full devotion to God's mission. I have had steps of faith that still left for some room for me to have some control. So the question is...were they actually steps of faith if I could control the outcomes?
I find myself in a place this summer where human control will only lead to human failure. I am in a place where surrendering of rights is the only option. However, it is in this place that I find peace that surpasses all human understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 says..."6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "
A motto that I have really chewed on that and am trying to live by is the idea that risk leads to dependency and dependency leads to intimacy. I could easily say that I, Aaron Rogers, have stepped out in risk for the Lord but really God has called me into risk. At 17, when God entered my life He began a transformation of my heart that would synchronize with His desires. Psalm 37:4 says..."4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This verse can be and often is taken as "oh it's all about me!" I believe full heartedly that there is not one bit of scripture that points us to self-pride. Even in this verse we must understand that when God says I will give you the desires of your heart He first says delight yourself in Him. It is all about Him!!! I am seeking delight in the Lord and in return He has given me the desire to go serve the people of Europe. It is not my decision or my mission but rather God's mission and I am so thankful He has placed this desire on my heart! I have often failed to seek delight in God over myself but His sovereignty remains.
I have three weeks left to have raised 95% of my funds and I am at 59%. God has been so faithful already and like I said I am in a place where my control will be my failure. I place this in the Lord's hands and ask for prayer support. The day I will be sitting in Berlin ministering I will have no choice but to say "Lord, that was all You and this is all about You!" I can't wait! In the meantime, I must praise the Lord in advance. Lord, You are Jehovah Jireh!