Jill Deakins |
Last year a missionary spoke at our church, and she said something that I have thought about almost every day since... She quoted a passage of the Bible that says "To whom much has been given, much is required" and went on to talk about how we in this country are all so blessed and have so much. Ever since then I have had an intense desire to not let the standards of America consume me and trick me into thinking I don't have enough to be able to give anything, and instead to try to always be aware of where God wants me to give, whether that be money or time or both. As soon as the church announced the Guatemala Work & Witness I knew that even if it would be a financial strain, it was something God wanted me to invest in. The beauty of nature and the beauty of His people... Even with the hours and hours and hours of driving we did, I never got bored looking at the scenery and all He created. I couldn't help but reflect on His majesty and His love for us. At the same time, His people were also a constant reflection of His love as I watched Guatemalans and Americans ministering to each other even through language barriers. The relationships built with each other, with the missionaries, and with the Guatemalans were so impacting because of the way God used each person for His purposes. It was especially meaningful to me to be able to share this amazing experience with my Dad! I will always be grateful for this opportunity we had together. I went to Guatemala looking for an answer, but I couldn't even tell you what the question was. I just was restless, wondering what God's plan for the rest of my life might be, wondering if I should be doing "something big." I left Guatemala with a clearer understanding that its not about me. Its about God's purposes, and letting Him complete His big picture. Its about being so close to God that every day I am aware of where He wants me to be and what He might be urging me to do. Even when something doesn't make sense, even when it seems meaningless, even if I never see what came from it... its not about me. Its ok if I have uncertainties in life, because I can be certain in God. He will lead me... I can be certain that as long as I am where He wants me to be that day, then I will always be where He wants me to be. |
