Seasons ebb and flow, teaching us new things about who God is, who we are, and what we were created to do. My heart for the nations has peeked out into the sun many times over the last ten or more years, but never with the deep intentionality of letting go of fear, comfort, and control.
Why am I going on the World Race? Short answer…Matthew 22:36-40.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
This increased love for the Lord, and others, is found when we abide in him. Abide? That’s a big little word! John 15:4-5 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Now, I don’t know much about gardening, but I do know that without the deep interconnection and reliance on the vine, the fruit will be worthless and shrivel up or be stepped on in the dirt before it even has the opportunity to become what it was meant to be. Not only was I created by God, but He breathed life into me, gave me a new heart, and allows me to produce fruit through my relationship with him! But apart from Him, I can do nothing!
Wait…nothing? Nothing. Even with the best intentions, my pride, selfishness, brokenness, and short-sightedness get in the way. I end up being the focus: my life, my money, my body, my home, my belongings, my job, my family, my friends, my choice, my way…
Sensing a theme?
During this season, God has pushed my heart toward the nations by reminding me of His heart for the nations. He is also calling me to deepen my faith, trust, and focus on Him by letting go of my plans, my control, and my selfish desires.
Seasons ebb and flow, but no longer will my heart for the nations retreat into the darkness. It’s time to advance!
