I lie down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me
- Ps 3:5
I will both lie down
and sleep for you alone O Lord make me to dwell in safety.
- Ps 4:8
He will not allow your
foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber - Ps 121: 3
After my first year in china, I went home with two major concepts on
my heart:
1) that God is working while we sleep
2) that we are all missionaries.
After year three those two things are still huge in my heart.
I live my life for the gospel in China.
Do you live out of obedience or complacency?
Scripture tells us that there are certainly those who have been
gifted with specific gifts and talents, but never does scripture ever indicate
that some were called to “go and make disciples” (Matt 28:19) while others are
to live contentedly where they’re comfortable.
God doesn’t sleep. He never sleeps. He is always at work.
Always protecting. Always providing. Always was, always is, always will be by
our sides. And always El Shaddai - powerful enough to take care of his
children.
So even while you’re resting and recuperating from the struggles of
life he’s still working. But have you ever stopped to consider what he’s doing?
Ever asked? Have you ever considered how much more he would do if only his
people would ask? (2 Chronicles 7:14)
We have all been called to be disciple-makers in our
own little world’s – and that starts with prayer.
These are the things that Abba has been teaching and showing me this
past year. He has given visions of lives changed for His glory, and broken
relationships to be used to drive us closer to him. Most significantly, this
year has been, I believe, a year of kind of commissioning for me. The call of
God to lead others into His presence through music has never been more clearly
spoken to me. God has pulled away from many of the distractions of life to
cleanse and purify my heart, mind and life. Finally, this year was ended in my
acceptance of His call to be where he called for whatever purpose he places me
there – even when all I can do is pray.
My roommate and I recently moved into a new
complex in a new neighborhood that He clearly told us to go. His intentions
here are not fully known to us, but there is an assurance that His presence is
even here and at work. We’re making friends and building relationships that
allow for growth and revelation.
I have not been sent to China by the church to be a missionary,
but I have been sent by God to be His ambassador. It’s terrifying to think on
at times. It’s hard most of the time. In a conversation had with someone very
dear to me, I was reminded that living in comfort and convenience (for me or
for others) does not equate God’s direction and/or blessing. Things could be a
lot easier and practical for me if I did them differently (ie, finishing my
degree, getting married, speaking to people about God’s love), but Jesus said
“if you love me, you’ll obey my commandments” and I’ve been commanded to China.
I don’t know why. I don’t know how long. I do know that your prayers for me are
endlessly blessing and encouraging. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
