Mosquito net? Check. Bug repellent? Check. Yellow fever card? Check. Fan? Check. Towels, shoes, clothes for two weeks into one carry-on bag. Grunt, push, stuff, sit on suitcase, check.
Here we are, a team of 9 people, whom never may have encountered each other but for God's call to Ghana, ready to board a plane in two days. We range in age from mid to late 50s to 15yrs, we are men, women, teens, business people, healthcare people, creative people. Why do this? Why add what almost becomes another part-time job to the busy lives we already have? The first and most simple answer is: because God called us. When we are in love with the Saviour of the universe, if he calls, we cannot help but respond.
Ultimately, I don't have to have the desire to go to Ghana, I only have to have the desire to live in obedience to listening to God's voice. Yes, I have listened to God's call to go to Ghana. I can't take too much credit for being willing to go. I love the people we see there, I love visiting Africa and find it's culture fascinating, and I love stepping out of my comfort zone into an adventure. But, how about those times when that obedience leads to trial by fire? How about when it's more about loving others and yourself through some really tough issues? How about when the will of God is not so fun?
I John 2:17 says: And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. This is our daily cross to bear: giving in to our own desires for ease and comfort versus doing God's will. It is so much easier to just leave the hard stuff for another day. In the short run, this is the more comfortable choice. But, how about for the long haul? When God puts hard things before us and we can't find a way through on our own, we learn firsthand about His loving, capable hands, his ever-present spirit. We learn that we can trust him. We learn that we are capable in His power of things we never thought we could do, we learn that it's not about us and that we are actually much happier that way.
All that God wills for us is for His glory and our betterment. What is he calling you to today? Obey. Follow him. You'll never find a better path to joy.
I, and many others, will be praying for you as you obey this call. What God calls to He provides for.
ReplyDeleteYou bring a part of all of us with you. May God bless and use your efforts in the lives of those you touch, in the lives of the missionaries and in your own lives!