It is hard to believe that I am at the 100 day mark before leaving to serve my Heavenly Father as a missionary in Prague. 100 days left...typically we use this designation to measure the effectiveness of a president or political leader. In these 100 days, it is my earnest prayer that God will continue to use me for the effective proclamation of His love and glory to all those I know. It is also my prayer that, in these 100 days, God will prepare me to meet the task of making disciples in Prague.
It is so hard to believe that time has flown so quickly. It seems like yesterday that I got the phone call from Juli (Teachbeyond) in November and then the email from Melodee (CISP) informing me of the marvelous opportunity God had prepared for me. As I sit here this morning, I am trimbling at the thought of the speed of time. I am thinking about how, over the course of time, God has brought me to this point...from thinking I would be a lawyer to training to be a teacher to mentoring young men to preaching and training to be a pastor and finally seeing how all of these pieces fit together in God's plan to bring me to the point of being willing to serve overseas.
Amidst all the paperwork, visa hoops, packing support envelops, I have seen the Hand of God at work...in the kind words of friends (even when I may not seem so sane because of emotions), the help from love ones, the support from my boys, the love of my family, and all the understanding during these busy and emotional times. I am excited to be in the midst of God's plan, but I am also spending a lot of time reflecting on what God has done and what each person I know means to me. I love the time I have spent, and will spend, with each of you and look forward to growing together whether near or far (in physical distance terms).
Time is precious; this is something we all must learn. And God's time is much more precious...it is something I do not quite understand. But I do know this...in these 100 days, I will approach things with the words of Ester 4:14b in my heart..."And who knows but that you have come to (this) position for such a time as this?" (my interpretation). There is a song which sums up what I am trying to say...here are the lyrics.
Now, all I have is nowTo be faithfulTo be holyAnd to shineLighting up the darknessRight now, I really have no choiceBut to voice the truth to the nationsA generation looking for GodChorusFor such a time as thisI was placed upon the earthTo hear the voice of God And do His willWhatever it isFor such a time as thisFor now and all the days He givesI am here, I am hereAnd I am HisFor such a time as thisYou - Do you ever wonder whySeems like the grass is always greenerUnder everybody else's skyBut right here, right here for this time and placeYou can live a mirror of His mercyA forgiven image of graceRepeat ChorusCan't change what's happened till nowBut we can change what will beBy living in holinessThat the world will see JesusRepeat Chorus
(video of song posted)
Lord, may I be faithful in these 100 days! May all I say and do bring glory to you. May I not take for granted the blessings of friends, family, and time! Prepare me to be the best for you and your service! All glory belongs to you! AMEN!
2 comments:
Ben, I love the words to the song!
You are definitely in my prayers and on my prayer list. What you are about to do is exciting, humbling, and special. Remember Romans 8:28! They have, and they will!
I'll be following along as your adventure grows.
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