I believe those who say that the Bible is not relevant today just don’t spend enough time reading it. God’s Word is alive and speaks just as clearly today as it did thousands of years ago. How else can it be that I always seem to come across just the right verse right when I need to hear it?
As team leader for this mission trip, I try to juggle a lot. There are registration forms, insurance forms, passports, fundraising totals, ministry supply lists, and payment schedules to keep track of. I need to order team T-shirts, organize team meetings, plan a commissioning service, and write thank you letters to those who have supported us.
Rather than getting smaller, it seems like my “to do” list is growing larger as our trip approaches. The organized, administrative side of me is on high alert and is thriving. The worn out, full-time mother-of-four/part-time pharmacist in me is wondering why there aren’t more hours in the day. I’m frazzled. I’m tired. And I keep thinking that there are things I’m forgetting.
This is when God decides to chime in. One of the memory verses we are supposed to learn for our trip is 2 Corinthians 3:4-5. It says, “We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.” Other versions word it as “Our adequacy comes from God.” Thank you, Lord for telling me exactly what I needed to hear!
You see, I’ve been extremely focused on getting our team to El Salvador. It has gotten to the point where almost every free thought of the day is devoted to something I need to get done for the trip, or how I am going to get our team through customs without any trouble, or how I can make sure that we all stick together and don’t leave anyone behind…or countless other things I think I need to be in control of. I’ve effectively taken God out of the equation. Things are going to go smoothly because I am working so hard to make that happen.
What a bunch of hogwash!
Our success on this trip is going to be determined by God. Our adequacy depends on Him. It’s time I quit focusing so much on the things that need to be done to get us there, and start focusing my thoughts on the people we are going to be serving. I can have confidence that God will take care of the details. He will make me adequate as a team leader. He will put the right words in my mouth. And He will help a great love for His people spill out of my heart.
“It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.” Thanks for the chat, God. I needed it.
Jackie
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