Word of the day:
I read this in my Bible today, the guy speaking at church today mentioned this verse, then again at Bible study another girl paraphrased it as she was sharing. 3 times in one day, I'm paying attention. I don't understand all that God is doing in my life right now but I know it is good. Something today's speaker said that gave me confirmation and comfort was when he talked about God's will. He said God has two wills. One general one for everyone (the great commission) and a very specific one for each individual. Even though one can read through the story of Abraham in about an hour, that story took place over a span of 60 years and Abraham only heard God's specific will for his life every 7 years or so. The point this guy made was that we don't need to be hearing God's specific will for our life every day, month, or year. God may speak to us a very specific word and all we have to do is follow in obedience for however long a period of time that is, being faithful with what God has given us until He speaks again or gives us more. Or both. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to go to Africa. As I grew older the desire to minister to the poorest and neediest in this world only increased and extended to all/any 3rd world countries. I never used to feel cut out to minister to people in North America as there are so many material distractions and even our poorest street people have so much more compared to the majority of the people in the world, especially developing nations. There are so many layers and levels and complications in our society that I always felt much more equipped to go to a place where things are more simple.. where I would be helping people dig a clean, safe, fresh-water well, teaching them some basic agriculture and farming so they can grow their own food... basic hygiene... and then of course introducing them to Jesus and God's word... that was where I always thought I'd go within a few years of graduating highschool.
Now God is doing these incredible things in the VLA and showing me how He has equipped me and is using me and it is not even as complicated as it seems; if I realize that all these kids, families, and people need is for someone to love them unconditionally and believe in them. To tell them they can dream again, and dream big! To encourage them and help them get going with these dreams... to make them a reality. Because I have the Father's love in me and pouring through me, that alone equips me to minister in this neighbourhood. As long as I stay in relationship with Him, He can begin relationships with these kids and youth, their parents..everyone! I still know I am called to rescue women and children out of human trafficking and somehow be involved in stopping it from happening in our communities and around the world... but right now God has dropped me in the centre of this community, given me children to love on, mom's to build friendships with (many are my age or some even younger), and more than I ever thought possible given me more of His heart for them. I can't just up and abandon the good work He has begun and go on in peace until He releases me. All I know is that right now it is God's will for me to stay in PG and commit myself to Him and these kids. I am ok with taking it one step at a time. Right now the next step is moving into a house with some other young adult friends who also have a heart for the VLA and to live there as a ministry. The house is right in the centre of the VLA so we'd be better located to further build relationships and love on our neighbours. It is only a few blocks from the duplex I rented by myself for a few months in the spring. I really loved having that place all to myself and having all my neighbours as drug dealers meant for an exciting place to live! It was a short and sweet season. Definitely much easier to live without roommates but there are pros and cons to both and I am looking forward to living in a community house with friends I can share meals with again. Even just to have someone there when God has done something incredible and you come home and want to tell someone about it; to have that option! I was raised to be very independent but more and more I recognize my need for others, their need for me, and how connected we are as a body... at least how connected we need to be in order to operate as Jesus intended.
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