I got to tag along with my dad tonight as he went to catch up with some old friends and hear about their adventures and work overseas. They shared about their organization and the fruit they've been able to see from the Truth being communicated around the world. As someone who is about to go serve in a different culture, I was super encouraged!
Now that my time at home is growing short, I'm dealing with the emotions, particularly the grief, of leaving. Of all the encouragement I gained from the time tonight with my parents' friends, this is what stood out the most:
Yes, there is a cost to obedience. Following the Lord's call can lead you out of your comfort zone. You may have to step into things you know nothing about or places that are completely unfamiliar. You may have to leave behind loved ones, the friends and family that compose your community. Maybe you really enjoy your current job, and you can't imagine leaving your coworkers and the security of that salary. Whatever it is that the Lord calls you away from, there will be a cost.
BUT
It is a privilege to serve the Lord! I've been so focused on my own situations lately that any thought of reaching out to others immediately seems overwhelming and not worth the effort. It's easy to lose sight of the privilege when life is hard or busy or depressing, but Jesus is still working. He is still bringing people into His love and under the refuge of His wings. Everything I heard tonight from this wonderfully encouraging couple continually pointed back to the fact that God is successfully expanding His Kingdom. In the face of hardships, sorrow, imprisonments, troubles, suffering, and persecution, the Truth, Love, Honor, and Power of Christ is being made known! I hope that reminder pumps you up as much as it did for me.
**Also, as of last week, I am 100% financially supported! Praise the Lord for His perfect provision!