Boasting in Weaknesses

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses.

My oldest son Jax and I had the privilege of traveling to Ethiopia last April, and we are thrilled to be headed back there next month!  We had our first training meeting last Friday, and at the training each team member was asked what he is most excited about for our upcoming trip.

Immediately I knew how to answer the question.  I know what I'm most excited about.

When I felt God calling me to the April trip, for once in my life, I said yes without hesitation.  I didn't ask questions, I didn't weigh the work or sacrifices involved, I didn't have to think twice.  I knew He was calling me (and Jax!), and I immediately said yes.

I remember being asked the same question at our first training for the April trip, and I answered that I was excited to see what God was going to do.  It is my desire to honor God and respond to His calling on my life without hesitation, but sometimes my own shortcomings and doubts stop me.  I often relate to Moses' calling in Exodus 3-4, because I am not eloquent or good with words.  I stumble over what I want to say, and most of the time my mouth can't keep up with my thoughts.  I've read Moses' entire story enough to know that God didn't need Moses.  It wasn't about him.  Moses was simply the vessel.  God was the One who freed the Israelites and led them to the promised land.  Moses was someone who was blessed to be a part of His plan.

There was no doubt in my my heart that God called me to Ethiopia, so there was no doubt that He would work through me and equip me to participate in His plan.  And oh boy, did He.  His work on our trip blew my expectations out of the water.  He exceeded anything I could have imagined.  I am still humbled to the point of tears that Jax and I got to be a part of it.

Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I have pages of journaling from our trip that I hope to share on here someday, and you can also get a glimpse of our trip on our team blog.  The team blog will be updated during our fall trip as well.

My Grace is Sufficient for You

When asked last week what I'm most excited about for our upcoming trip, I expressed how much I can't wait to see what God has planned this time.  I know beyond a shadow of doubt that my gifts and strengths were not used on the April trip.  Don't get me wrong, I know God has given me strengths to use for His glory, but none of the work we did in Ethiopia is on my list of talents/abilities.  That makes the trip and His calling that much more amazing!  He has a plan that only He can accomplish! 

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

I cannot wait to see what God has in store this fall!  Before the April trip I knew God was calling me to go again in September.  I was planning to go again even before I knew what it was like.  Now that I know, I can hardly wait.  I can't explain this swelling in my heart, this overwhelming emotion I feel when I think about Ethiopia and the people we were blessed to meet.  We were with them for such a short time, but they forever have a place in our hearts.

Jax and I still need to raise $3205 for our trip.  To read all of the details and/or make a donation visit our Pure Charity fundraiser page.

I don't know why God wants to use me in this way, but I am so grateful.  My life is forever changed, and I hope I live a life worthy of His calling.

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