Live God Adventures

I have had this thought (the purpose of this blog) many times, more frequently throughout the last year or so. I didn’t quite have the words and I wasn’t sure where to share it, I decided on these words and on the blog so that it was easily accessible.

The title of this blog might bring to mind a specific scripture. That was not the initial intention, but let’s start there.

“ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“

Romans 8:38-39

I challenge you, before continuing on, to read Romans 8:31 thru chapter 9.

What can separate us from God? Us. Our own rejection of Him.

I have chosen Jesus. I have chosen missions. At the end of this year I will leave for Africa for two years. What’s after that? I don’t know right now, but I trust Him. I knew that I was called into missions as a teenager, I have always loved Africa and my heart aches to be back there. My desire is for children to know Jesus and to do that by equipping and training people to teach them.

Some people are scared of missions. I never knew that was the case. I always thought I was not unique in my desire and yearning for Africa, that everyone felt this way and there wasn’t anything special about me. Apparently, I was wrong. But reread the verse quoted above. None of those things will separate me from Jesus. So why would I be worried about it? He has called me. He will provide. I know it won’t all be easy, but it will all be worth it and is all His plan.

Now, you may think you’ve got a handle on what I’m convinced of. You think I’m convinced of my calling? Well, yes. But that’s not the purpose of this post in particular.

I am convinced that while yes, this calling is unique and not everyone feels called to missions, many do. I am also convinced that the enemy would loving nothing more than to lie to those called and tell them they’ve messed up, it’s too late, there’s no way, you’re too young, you’re too old, you have to stick to your career, you’re better off doing what you’re comfortable with… lies, lies, lies.

I have met numerous people this past year who have made comments along those lines. Quoting lies from the enemy that they have come to believe.

My prayer for you, my intention in writing this post, my challenge to you, break off those lies. Has God called you? He will equip you, He will provide for you, He will make a way.

I thought I would be a children’s pastor forever in my local church, I thought I would work as a nurse in a 9-5 job forever, I thought I missed it, I thought at one point I was too young, then I thought I’d missed it and was too old to make a change. I thought my life would look a whole lot different than it does.

It doesn’t matter what we expected. It doesn’t matter where we’ve been or what our “5 year plan” says… what does God say? Side note: I always wanted a 5 year plan, now, I have no idea what comes after two years… that’s okay…

To sum this up, did these words spark something in you? Were you reminded of a calling from the Lord, did a country come to mind that you’ve always had a burden for, did those questions provoke something inside you? Good. Let’s talk.

I challenge you to seek the Lord on this. Genuinely and intentionally set this before Him, He will answer. I want to make myself available, I would love to talk with you, pray with you(!!), encourage you, listen to you, as you process these thoughts.

You are not alone in this. You are needed. There are people waiting on your “yes”. There are generations of believers on the other side of your yes. Let’s shake our comfortable, let’s shake our normal, let’s get out of our daily bubble and live in radical surrender to Jesus. Although, it’s not radical surrender, is it? It’s just surrender. It’s just faith. It’s just denying our flesh and saying yes to Him. I look forward to connecting with you!

(There are some that genuinely cannot go or do not feel the call. I understand! This post is not directed at you. There are countless places to serve the Lord in your local church, we are all parts of one body, each uniquely vital. One way to be involved in missions is to send the one that is called to physically go. By partnering you go with us and become a vital part of our ministry. If you would like to give, message me, I would love to connect with you also!)