So last night i wrote my Blog about how i was called into the missions field and i figured since i was on, and i havent been as active on this site as i would like to be, i would read up on some of the things other people have been blogging. i came across Amanda Finley’s post titled Great expectations and i was truely moved by it. It changed my whole view and expectations on this trip. i was going on this trip expecting the minimum, the basic missions trip. we go there we help out and fellowship together, have a good experience, probably life changing one but nothing near what God is capable of truely acomplishing with us.
last week in church our pastor asked us to read all of ephesians some this week. not a long read at all and i have read it in the past but today i sat down to read it and i heard it like i had never heard it before. i came across this verse “now to him who is able to do immersurably more than all we ask or imagine…” Ephesians 3:20 and i was once again reminded of Amandas post.
there are alot of concerns i have about this trip. money being a big one but also other small fears and worries that pop up here and there especially when i stumble in my walk with God. Being a christian doesnt mean you become perfect and never sin a again, it a work in progress, but when i do stumble i take it kinda hard and then i start thinking things like “are you where you need to be spiritually to do this?” “who are you to go preach to anyone?”
but then i remember christ paid for all of that. he is my rightousness and he can present me “without stain or wrinkle or blamish, but holy and blameless before God”
then there the other self centered thoughts come about. “2 months is a long time…what if you get home sick?” “you could be making alot of money working this summer to help pay for school next year” “you’ll be away from your friends and family all summer …” and i realize these are all schemes of the devil. but we have been called to stand up to those schemes. ephesians 6:10-15
“be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you
may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything,
to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you
may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything,
to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
so between now and may 29th and i just pray that God will grow all of us and ready us with his Armor for whatever task he as set out before us. that we will not limit him in our expectations.
Amanda said it best and i 2 expect GREAT THINGS
thank you again for this post! i’ve had all the same kinds of worries with the money thing and all that, but especially thingking that I’m not where i need to be in my walk with God. I am really encouraged by you quoting “without stain or wrinkle or blamish, but holy and blameless before God”. that’s such a GREAT thing to be reminded of! Amen!
Good luck E! I know this has been something you have been wanting to do since day one! Take care and I hope to see you when you get back… love you brotha from anotha motha… ha