When you say yes to God you say no to numerous other people, obligations, and wants. When I said yes that meant quitting my job, moving cities, and packing my life into a storage unit. When I said yes that meant moving back home with my parents (to sleep on an air mattress for a month). There were days when I truly wanted to take my yes back. As the month of August flew by my appetite started to decrease and my stress levels were beginning to increase. I was sleeping 10 hours or more a day not to deal with the anxiety of leaving. I was spending my time trying to escape the emotions of putting my life on hold . The initial choice to commit to the great commission was easy, but putting it into action was terrifying. I shed tear for memories I would miss out on, the quality time, the career growth, and the relationships.
The moment I was at training camp peace just flooded over me. I have been thrown into scheduled showers, living outside, out houses, bucket showers, and scheduled activities. With all the “luxuries” being stripped from me I feel the most complete. God , is in the process of renewing me and filling me up everyday. The days here have not been easy, but I am finding joy in my counterparts, being in nature, and rest. Preparations for the field have been frustrating; however, I have discovered I am not alone in this. I have discovered that all I truly need is a real relationship with our Father and intimacy in community. I have come to this ephinany in just seven days that God has brought me here to heal me, to bring me back to him. I thought I was going to serve the body, serve him, and serve others, but in reality God has just given me more time and space for him. I am here for reconciliation and through my reconciliation I can minister. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 ESV Even with the temptation to run and say no … I am so thankful I said yes to the Lord’s invitation.