My Uncertainty is Worthless. His Trust is Priceless.

Sometimes the phrases you learned as a child never make sense until you are older.

Sometimes it never seems like there is much to look forward to.

Sometimes it seems like the world is against you.

Sometimes the loved ones don’t show love when you need it most.

Oftentimes certainty is not on your side. 

Proverbs is full of phrases that can confront matters like this. Chapter three describes so much concerned with the Christian walk that we as followers could naturally find as so obvious. Yet as they are so obvious, they are all so often easily forgotten.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will fin favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the lord, and turn away from evil. – Proverbs 3:3-7

I think many people raise in a Church based home remember the middle section of this passage. However, the other verses listed alongside are a great accompaniment.

Going along with this theme, I am excited and somewhat freaked out about my possible journey that I may take this following fall. For those of you that do not know, I have recently been certified to teach English overseas. I’m praying that I will go somewhere that will help me grow much in my walk. Now more than ever, I see the obstacles growing more and more than usual as I reach the last month of college. This includes family members discouraging me about going, lack of interest from other’s advice, and even my uncertainty.

I guess it is true that ministry gets more and more lonely the deeper you go in. Only God knows where I’m going. Just like it says in the passage to trust in Lord and not lean upon our own understandings of the current situation, faith is something we walk in through trust and not by knowing. If we knew it all, why would there be God.

Loving others turning from evil is key to continuing this steadfast path. I don’t know why God gave me a cold father I never will know how to relate or understand. Though, everyday I have to love him just as Christ loved me despite how twisted and crooked I can be. He has called me to love others no matter how much of a challenge it is. This is Christ calling me to be not wise in my own eyes, fearing the lord, and turning away from evil. Maybe I can use this message acted out to change others. I need to learn to trust the Lord of what he has provided for me. He gives and takes away.

So far in my journey, I have not seen any doors close. God has allowed me to go so far. If he allows me to go until the door closes, then that is what works. I have acknowledge him and know that he will make my paths straight no matter which ways they are facing. He is in control, not me. 

Leap of Action

Nothing in this world has helped to shape my thinking and reliance upon God more than world missions. I think it takes a real test of faith to show that you are going to put everything on the line to serve God in an underdeveloped country to work for others. I always seen missions as a part of my life since I was about 15 years old when I went on a missions trip to Glasgow, Scotland. At that age I had no faith upon following God on the steps towards that journey which costed roughly $1,800. Currently I am on my way to raising $3,400 for an East African missional journey throughout the month of June which I remain faithful towards. The times sure have changed.

I think this is proof that God continues to set us goals that are higher than the previous. He tells us to follow and therefore grow in our faith. He does not wish for us to stop growing ever. 

After my first mission's trip I traveled again a year later to Seattle for street ministry along with YWAM with my church. The next year I traveled with my Church to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. The next two summers I traveled with my newly former youth Pastor to Cluj-Napoca, Romania with his new church from Dallas, TX. Finally in 2009, I traveled with some friends from my local church to Tambov, Russia to work with the youth and orphans. It was not until after that excursion where I had one of the most memorable post-missional talks with a family member.

After I finished the Russia trip and arrived at the LAX airport, my older brother was their ready to pick me up from the airport. We picked up my bags from baggage claim and walked to the car. As we drove out the parking lot, I remember what my brother first told me. 

"I cannot believe you got to go to Russia man! I was so jealous of you the whole time. It is one of the places I want to visit the most. How do you get these opportunities?" he said in excitement. 

"It's all about application. You have to step out in action. You have to get plugged in with opportunities that are presented in your area. It is not about playing it safe," I said. 

The conversation continued from L.A. until we got home in Oceanside. What needs to be mentioned about this post is that it's purpose is not meant to talk about good things I did, nor is it meant to talk down on those who have not left the country. We are all called to different tasks in this life. 

What I mean to mention is this idea. If God gives you the passion for a certain task to benefit his kingdom in anyway, I believe that he's putting you to the test to show faith. We should not base all of our decisions only on our present situation, whether it be finances, family, disabilities, etc. God provides. We should give him more credit for that. 

In James 2:20, it cites that we are truly foolish if our faith is absent of any works to prove it. We are to take our faith and show it in this world. 

A comedian can recite his jokes in the mirror everyday, but no one will know if he is funny until he attempts to perform in front of an audience. Many people are scared of the audience. Will the performer run out of the comedy club in a heap of shame? Give the guy a chance to tell his jokes and then we will see. 

Getting plugged into missions is not easy. It is tough work. But what is the point if it is not a challenge at all?

Coming back to today, I'm excited about heading to East Africa. I'm also excited about being used next next year as a Mobilization Intern for my school's missions program. I hope to be used as encouragement for those wishing to serve God and his Kingdom. I'm not exactly sure where this journey is taking me. I'm just excited to see where it takes me.