The Bible talks explicitly about sharing our faith experiences as a way of bringing glory and honor to our King. In 2 Corinthians 9:13 (ESV) the word of the Lord says, "By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ."
It is my prayer that every word on every page of this blog will inspire you to go deeper and deeper into relationship with Jesus Christ, because I believe that when you do you will fall so in love with His kindness and His grace that you will be changed forever.
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| At the "Hobbiton" movie set, overlooking the shire. |
Over the past twelve months or so since I visited the Czech Republic, I have felt a tug on my heart to do something. Over time, that something has become more and more evident to me. At first, I knew that it was just a calling to "go into all the world." Then I realized that I was being called to a far off land called New Zealand. After a while I started to think, plan, and dream up ideas of what God could do through me in the literal "ends of the earth." Thoughts of this dream became obsessive and seemed to constantly pop up all around me. I often thought, as I learned more about the country, that what New Zealand needed was a church-sponsored competitive cheerleading program that could bring people from the community into the church to promote church growth.
This idea seemed nice in theory, but completely unrealistic for several reasons. One, I didn't know if anyone would even be remotely interested in cheerleading. Two, New Zealand is SO far away. Three, money doesn't grow on trees. Four, I am terrified of being far away from the people closest to me for extremely long periods of time... and just terrified in general. And yet, the thought of how amazing it would be if it worked was constantly pulling on my heartstrings.
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| Teaching kids at Redoubt North Primary School how to stunt. |
And then, something amazing happened. I went on a missions trip to New Zealand and God did work. I'm talking about the mountain moving, red sea dividing, miraculous kind of work. He made people love cheerleading. I know, it sounds crazy, but its true. He also made me fall in love with the people (if you know me then that fact is slightly less amazing). He also connected me to people in New Zealand that are currently in ministry and are willing to help with anything God-related. But most amazingly, He created an interest in about 4 different church leader's heart's (and one random airport security worker) for the exact programs that I had dreamed about.
Are you amazed by the power of God? Because I certainly am. So amazed that I started putting money into a "New Zealand" account. So amazed that I made a commitment to God to GO as He leads and as He calls. So amazed that I tell everyone, all the time about my dream.
Thats the scary part though; telling people and making a financial and verbal commitment. Once I do those things I can't choose to not go, I can't fail, or everyone will know. And yet, I have a hope and a power beyond failure and beyond fear.
I was reading in my prayer journal earlier this week and saw an entry from June that included an inspiring quote. The entry reads,
"Lord, Today I read a quote from Women of Christ that said, 'Decide today that you won't give up on your dreams and desires. Keep pressing forward, believing that you are anointed and empowered.' Today I pray that my dreams and desires will be aligned with what You have for my life. I also pray that no matter what, I won't give up on them. I pray that as I go through each day preparing for and moving closer to my dreams and desires, that You will equip me to tackle them. That I will always remember that as a child of the King, I am ANOINTED and EMPOWERED to do Your will. Give me the faith I need to rest in that truth. In Your precious name, Amen."
Reading this brought me immeasurable joy because since then I have seen God begin to answer this prayer. I have been able to witness His grace being worked out in my life. I have been able to feel a peace that can only come from God about my future. I have been able to rest. Rest in my singleness, in my education, in my relationships, and in my time, because I know that I have a Savior who has already equipped me with every spiritual gift that I will ever need (Ephesians 1:3-5). He has given me a purpose and has anointed me and empowered me, and continues to do so daily! What an amazing reality to live in.
If you have made it all the way through this post, feel inspired, feel empowered, feel anointed, because you are! Go and commit to bringing your God-given purpose, calling, dream, to life. Keep pressing forward in faith believing that Jesus Christ is all you need. Believe, and He will do the rest. He will open all the doors, move all the mountains, and part all the seas.
In Him, Ad.
