Mostly, my blogs are about what God is doing in India. However, these blogs are about what God is doing in me.
God orchestrated many wonderful opportunities in my life over the years. He allowed me to serve in India and brought me back safely. That is a great blessing. I am blessed beyond measure and drained beyond description. I love it and hate it at the same time! Here’s why.
I am 100% introvert. I am not good at meeting new people, talking to groups, handling change and traveling. I struggled with fear as young boy. India gives me ample opportunities to face my fears. I am totally out of my comfort zone in India. My faith is stretched to the max! In addition there is the spiritual warfare issue and facing an enemy who wishes I were dead! All this is totally beyond my ability and skill.
This demands I trust God completely. There are no guarantees my plans, my life or mission will proceed as I imagined. The only given is God’s will. Unfortunately it doesn’t always line up with MY plans.
As I look back on the lessons I learned in India, it’s clear my confidence in God has grown. I face life with deeper assurance in God. I know He won’t desert me. I know His promises are true. I’ve tested them in extreme situations and they are true.
I don’t like to be stretched and out of my comfort zone, but God knows I need it. I wouldn’t want to repeat it, but it is worth the price. Whatever cost we pay to follow Jesus is worth it. Without these stretching experiences we don’t grow more Christ-like. These are temporary discomforts with eternal benefits. I thank God for them. Do you?
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
What are some of the most painful, stretching circumstances you faced in life? What did God teach you through them? Thank Him for His faithfulness in making you more like Jesus.