I’ll be honest, this has been one of my favorite seasons of life. Support raising has just about wrapped up, my sister’s home from college, and get to spend the holidays with my family. I have had incredible appointments with people and I’m blown away by God’s grace and generosity. However, I can’t shake the feeling that this is the calm before the storm. I started going through a Bible study that explains the culture of where I’m headed and what ministry will look like. Going through this study is helpful but intimidating.
I would say that majority of people struggle with understanding what it means to have a different mindset and upbringing. We stick to what we’re accustomed to and don’t fight to come alongside people different than us. Christianity calls us to do the opposite of that, but how? This is the question I am asking myself before I go into the storm. The only way this is possible is by seeking to know the heart of Jesus.
While sitting in on our youth group Bible Study we started going through the book of Revelation. We discussed what it looked like to seek Jesus in the rain and to suffer for the eternal glory that will come, rather than living for temporary earthly comfort. I felt convicted in that moment. I had caught myself praying often that I would enjoy these next years, that ministry would flow and I would get along well with my team. Essentially I had been praying, “Lord, please let these next few years be easy and go well, according to my expectations.” Listening to Revelations I got goosebumps and my heart started racing. I want my prayer to transform into, “Lord, do whatever it takes to win souls for Your Kingdom. Grow me and draw me closer to You. Become the focus of my life and cause the storm to reconcile my heart to You.”
The storms will come on the mission field, in ways we can’t expect or prepare for; but we have an everlasting hope and eternal glory that is worth all the suffering this world can bring. I’m going to pray for the rain.
~ Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”