As we've been sharing our story with family and friends over the past 18 months or so, we've gotten the comments. If you've ever gone on a mission trip or done volunteer work, you've probably heard similar statements. "You guys are so awesome." "It's great that God has people like you to do stuff like this." "It's amazing that you guys are willing to do this, I don't think I could do it."
I would be a bit more upset about these comments, but I realize that we were once the ones saying similar things. But I want to make something clear.
We are sinners, saved by grace. What is happening in our family is the result of a God who is patient and faithful, who does not give up on arrogant, hard-headed, stubborn, self-centered people.
We are not the kind of people that sell everything and move to a country where we don't know the language, customs, and norms. We are not the kind of people that I think of when I consider those who move overseas.
But we are learning through all of this that God can use anyone for His purposes. We aren't the best Biblical scholars or avid theologians. In fact, as I think I may have mentioned before, we had used our lack of knowledge and intellect as an excuse. But as our friend Lindsey once reminded us, God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called.
Maybe one of the best and easiest ways to say what I'm trying to say is by showing this video. It was part one of the missions emphasis videos (I posted part 2 earlier this week). It's three people talking about the fact that we're not special people. We're not in some elite category. We are ordinary people, but we listened to God, we stepped out in faith, and we said yes. Sometimes God asks you to say yes before you even know what the whole question is.
But that's what faith is all about: trusting Him and knowing that He will provide.
I've said it before: had He given us all the answers and details up front, it would have probably been more than we could handle. Instead, God simply asked us to follow Him. We said yes.
There are plenty of people who can do something. The important part is going from CAN to WILL.
I would be a bit more upset about these comments, but I realize that we were once the ones saying similar things. But I want to make something clear.
We are sinners, saved by grace. What is happening in our family is the result of a God who is patient and faithful, who does not give up on arrogant, hard-headed, stubborn, self-centered people.
We are not the kind of people that sell everything and move to a country where we don't know the language, customs, and norms. We are not the kind of people that I think of when I consider those who move overseas.
But we are learning through all of this that God can use anyone for His purposes. We aren't the best Biblical scholars or avid theologians. In fact, as I think I may have mentioned before, we had used our lack of knowledge and intellect as an excuse. But as our friend Lindsey once reminded us, God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called.
Maybe one of the best and easiest ways to say what I'm trying to say is by showing this video. It was part one of the missions emphasis videos (I posted part 2 earlier this week). It's three people talking about the fact that we're not special people. We're not in some elite category. We are ordinary people, but we listened to God, we stepped out in faith, and we said yes. Sometimes God asks you to say yes before you even know what the whole question is.
But that's what faith is all about: trusting Him and knowing that He will provide.
I've said it before: had He given us all the answers and details up front, it would have probably been more than we could handle. Instead, God simply asked us to follow Him. We said yes.
There are plenty of people who can do something. The important part is going from CAN to WILL.
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