Defining Moment

Throughout my entire trip, I was looking for one defining moment. One thing to bring back and say "there, I did it. Now I am completely changed by God." It didn't happen.

I overheard a teammate say that this trip was so perfect, no complications, that she hoped the next missions trip I went on wouldn't seem like a downer. I've been blaming my "no defining moment" on the fact that nothing went wrong the entire trip, not taking any credit for my attitude.

Of course, I think I shaped up. It's kind of hard to be grumpy for ten days when you're around so many amazing, God-filled people all the time. But I was still looking for that moment. I want to be able to share with everyone exactly when I felt God calling me His child. Exactly when I knew He existed. When I knew He was calling me to share the Gospel with everyone who's path crossed mine.

But of course, God is always routing us on when we talk about Him to His children. And He knows He exists, and He knows I know He exists. He also knew this before I did: there wasn't one defining moment. Every single second of the trip, God was moving. He would have moved even without us there. God is all-powerful.

Is it possible that a heart can change in a moment? Absolutely. I've been witness to it on several occasions. However, it didn't work for me that way. The funny thing is it took me until now to realize it.

Every person on our trip was called there for a specific purpose in mind. We each had an individual role that God was calling us to fulfill.

I was pushed and shoved and forced to go to El Salvador because Gloria needed a friend. I didn't realize this, but I needed her too. I still do.

I guess my defining moment is continuing, and will continue until my last breath. Being who God wants you to be takes a lifetime. Literally. But you should know this. Even if you don't know what you believe, and you're struggling with your faith, God will still use you. Through each and every circumstance you face. We are always being changed by God. No matter how much you think you get it, He will show you something new if you take the time to listen to His voice and obey His commands.

Romans 8:28, 37-39 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. But in all these things we overwhemingly conquer through Him who loves us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will e able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In the short term for the long term.

As of noon today, this whole ordeal if finally over. That was the thought I had while standing up in front of the church this morning talking about our trip. All this preparation, with the trip over, here we were presenting what we had learned. And now it's over.

I had to stop that thought in its tracks, though. Because it's a lie! This journey is only beginning. Not only will there be many more trips, but we should be living as missionaries every day of our lives.

This thought has been with me since I began this blog. If we are already here in the "short-run," shouldn't our whole life be dedicated to missions?

We are the living, breathing short term mission. As Christians, it is our responsibility to live out our faith, to serve, to not complain, and to live everything cleaner than we found it, not just when we're in a good mood, but all the time. Every breath we take should be given to God's work.

I know (trust me, I know!) in this chaotic world we need to actually be productive and efficient in order to not end up homeless, but why not be productive and efficient for God? And if you end up homeless, that's probably because God wants you to evangelize on the streets! Best of luck to you.

I'll be serious now. I feel like I've been taking too much time preparing myself for whatever God wants me to do without really thinking what that is or when that would be. But it's here and now. Everywhere. Anywhere. God wants you to join His army.

So will you join me in living every day like you're on a short-term mission?

We need a revival.

We've been home for two weeks. At least I think that's right. Coming home from El Salvador felt like a dream. I'm not sure if it was good or bad. Reality started up, and going back to school was a definite culture shock. That first swear word I heard made my head whip around to find its culprit. I had forgotten about bad language, and homework, and getting up early. But I'm determined not to forget what I learned in El Salvador, or the people who made my time there memorable.

These crazy kids changed my life forever. Their perspective on serving and how they live out their faith is so bold and selfless. When we were at construction, they were always there to help us - even before we showed up at the church! The boys rode their bikes down to Bueno Vista and Tazumel to evangelize. They took time out of their lives to help us serve others in their community. 

The boys you see in this picture are truly the leaders of their church. It's just how it is. They aren't the future, they are the here and now. And these kids believe that and are embracing it with their entire beings. 

Every church congregation, every denomination has their "issues," their disagreements, but while we were down there, I didn't see one instance in which someone let their negative attitude get in the way of their work. 

We need a revival.

The American church is too complacent. We think coming to church, mumbling a song or two, and bowing our heads during pastoral prayer is enough to get us by. We did our part. Time to go home and take that Nazarene nap!

You know what I've realized? This past month has been such an eye opener for me. Sure, I prayed. I read my Bible. I fellowshipped with other Christians.

But I never talked to God. I never incorporated His Words into my daily life. I never took the time to care about the people I rub shoulders with.

We need a revival.

It's time to stop worrying about tomorrow. Don't think about how you're going to make money, and live in a fancy apartment, and dress in the latest fashions. We need to stop worrying about tomorrow, I need to stop worrying about tomorrow, and trust that God has a purpose for my life every single day I am on this earth. Whether it's laughing with a little child in the nursery, praying at the alter with someone who's going through a tough time, or sharing the Gospel at school, it's all for God's glory. Not your own.

That's something we need to remember. I am not here for me. I will not get satisfaction from anything I do, if I do it for my own glory. I'm trying to live every day for God's glory. We need to willing to be martyrs for Christ.

We need a revival.