“When we pursue something bigger than ourselves, our true story begins.” J.V
A few nights ago someone asked me what was the ‘take-away’ of my time here at the base and it didn’t take me that long to give an answer to it. I said: “To know the Father.”
I also added: What He intends to give us is something so personal. So intimate.
I started to realize, as you can read along my blogs on this site, that all we need is to have a new way of seeing things, to adopt a new pattern of life, of thinking, a kingdom culture.
For quite a few years, I’ve been struggling with the need of recognition plus an orphan mindset. Because of this I became a very selfish person. Very. It was all about appearance and performance.
At the base one of the very first things that I learn was to see in the Spirit, to see the Christ in people around me and in myself as well.
And to see people in the Spirit is to speak life into their lives, to see all the good things that the Lord has gifted this person with. It might take a little and it might be different each time but there’s always grace. That’s how I learned it.
That, ladies and gentlemen, changed my whole perspective about doing life. Just a few weeks ago, I realized how different I walk on the streets; I used to be the kind of guy that was more concerned with how to spend money and all the vanities that comes with it, than to see the people that were passing by.
But, what brought my heart to this new place?
I’m so sure that God always ANSWERS to what we ask.
Three months after I became Christian, I had a car accident where I almost died; thank God I’m telling that story today. Through that moment in life I had to make a decision; it was hard, but I knew that I needed to stop living a life with no direction and to step into a bigger commitment. A week later was my birthday; that day I didn’t celebrate me, but the fact of being alive for him. This was the reason I decided to give myself completely to his love.
I remember the words I used:
“Father, I want to know you. I want to see you and I will not be content with what men have to say about you.”
Well, seven years later I’m still getting to know who my Father is. And this love keeps growing and growing. And honestly, I’m fascinated by all of him. He is fascinating!
Why sharing all this?
Simple, we all are called to walk this journey and I’m not different from you. I also have my moments you know…
And the call He is making is a call to our hearts to wake up and to not settle for something less.
Yes, there are hardships included in this call, trials, and ups and downs. But, one thing I can assure you:
He is FAITHFUL.
Let me share with you that a month ago we went on a journey that took all of me; it drained my energy and all you can think of. We were sent on this journey from our main base in Antigua to the second base planted at the lake which is about a three-to-four hours’ drive from Antigua. We were asked to go with no money, no food, no backpacks, just the clothes on our back. It was incredible what the Lord did in that trip. Two guys and I walked for about 22 hours in three days, to get to our destination and we made it.
Through the whole adventure we met all types of people and walked through all kind of places, but the provision and care of the Father over us were overwhelming.
[These shoes are not so cool after walking 22 hours]
So what I am trying to convey in here is that through all these hardships in life and not only in those moments, have I had also laughter and joy! Our hearts get sharpened and molded into the Father’s heart. We become more like him! It is a humbling experience.
TRUTH TO OUR HEARTS
Have you ever wondered who the poor in the picture that society presents is? Often times we think when doing missions/ministry, bringing money will cover and supply the ‘need’ of people when that’s not what the heart of the Father is saying.
“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Isaiah 57:15
In some other English versions the phrase ‘humble spirit’ is also written as lowly which means poor.
This gives me perspective. This is the kind of poor I am, we are all so in need of the Lord.
Our Papa is a family man! He brings people in, to sit at the table to DO LIFE with them! He did that with us, right? He embraced us and fed us, loved on us and gave us a place. And by doing life with someone you get their manners, since we learn by imitation. That’s how he changed us! Not giving us clothes or material possessions!
And yes, we do the practical thing, but with different lens the whole experience is just humbling.
Suggested passage to read: Matthew 25:35:45
In this season I’m realizing that my heart is for what society calls ‘orphans’ but the heart of the Father is saying: “They are mine, they have a NAME, they BELONG and have a PLACE at my table.” Just to think that these kids, the people we’re serving could be governors, presidents, positive leaders to change the world! The more powerful assets in society one day! It just gives me chills.
I’m not telling you that you have to go through my experiences neither to bring strangers into your house (unless the Lord ask you to) but to invest part of your time in someone you see where the Lord’s calling is strong.
You know what breaks his heart?
The creation has stopped seeking his heart. And many of us are still trying to figure out life when all we need to do is to come to him.
The Father longs for us; He longs to have a relationship with us, to be closer. He longs to have all the family together. As we go in this life, as we grow in him let our prayer be to become more like him, to learn from him, to see him, to worship him, to live for him, to seek his kingdom first.
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.”
– Romans 8:19 –
