Last week I flew over 2,000 miles to embark on a brand new
adventure! When I arrived in Ensenada, Mexico for a Discipleship Training
School, I wondered what in the world I was getting myself into! Whether I like
it or not, I was stuck in this place with a little under 30 students for the next
several months! You may be asking why I am here, so let’s back up a bit…
When I graduated a year early from high school this spring, I
was collage prepped and ready to go. Everything pointed to the traditional education;
I already had several music scholarships without even applying at schools. With
quite a few nurses and doctors in my family and everyone expected me to go that
direction but part of me always felt a tug to do ministry. There came a point
where I had to start applying for collages. I felt like everyone expected me to
know what to major in and I became so overwhelmed with the decision. I was looking at different majors, but nothing
seemed like right fit. I felt such a burden of needing to know where I should
go. One night, I fell face down on the ground and poured out my heart before
the Lord. I cried out for direction and guidance and after a few moments, a
peace that I had never felt before washed over me. Part of me was so happy that
this weight was lifted and another part of me was beyond frustrated that
God had not answered my questions! I knew He would direct me; I was just tired
of waiting on Him. Tears streamed down my face as I walked slowly over to my
bed happy, yet disappointed and picked up my Bible. As I began to read, God smacked me in the face
with His answer.
Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom
shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
I
immediately had my answer. God took that moment to teach me to wait on Him day
by day. He might not reply when you think you need it, but when He knows the
timing is right. I have never had such a clear word from Him. He had perfectly
directed me to what I should do.
I decided to skip collage this fall and take a year devoted
to getting to know God better. Long story short, I ended up applying for a Music
and Missions YWAM base in Mexico and arrived on September 18th for 5
months. When I first walked into the courtyard,
I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed! The past few days have flown past.
I have made so many close friends that we all agree it feels as if we have
known each other for years. As much as I miss my family and friends back home,
I absolutely LOVE it here! God has given me so much peace it only confirms that
this is exactly where I am meant to be.
We had a mariachi band come to play for us the first night! |
The other day while I was reading, I began to realize how
complacent about the gospel I have become.
Galatians 5:7, “You were running the good race. Who cut in on
you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come
from the one who calls you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of
dough.”
What a powerful
reminder. I think a lot of times we get too carried away with our busy lives… traveling
to work, taking care of our families, hanging out with friends. Don’t get me
wrong, all of these things are important, but if we let it, it often drains us
of our precious time. How often do I waste my time on insignificant things? I have talked to many people in my 17 yrs.
and I have heard the same thing. Your drift away from God is gradual. It
doesn’t happen all at once. I’m not talking about going of the deep end, but it
is so easy for God to become second in our lives. I know I was not pursuing God
with my whole heart and I am so excited to fall more in love with him.
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are having this experience!
Reading your blog reminded me of the Mission's Badge from Stars. The song from that unit, was "Send Me" and it had an Africian beat. You loved that song!
I am praying for you and am looking forward to reading your blogs!
Love you,
Mary
I'm so happy you've decided to keep a blog. I think I subscribed. Sure hope I did. I'm anxious to "join" you on your journey.
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