“We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of the power will be seen as Gods, not ours” II Corinthians 4:7
Since moving to the mission field, people have said things like: “You are a special type of person” “You are chosen for that kind of work” “I could never do something like that”.
Although I appreciate those sentiments as I know they are said in love and encouragement, my heart always is turned to verses in scripture like the one above. “We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within”
It is not a different "special" sacrifice to be a missionary… it is our simple obedience… We are all called to lay our lives down, to die to ourselves to be made alive in Him. There is always sacrifice in the surrendered life, wherever you are. Actually, each persons calling has insurmountable obstacles, mountains and valleys. Yet the blessing that comes from fulfilling it far outweighs the sacrifice!
It wasn’t any easier for me to step into my purpose because I had some supernatural “missionary” heart transplant. When I was little I didn't say “when I grow up I’m going to be a missionary to Nicaragua.” The things I thought at first were impossible slowly became normal. The things that were scary led me to trust God deeply. I don’t “feel” like Gods mighty woman of power when I hike up a mountain and stutter out in Spanish Gods love and heart to people I hardly know… Actually, I feel sweaty and tired and sore after hiking up the mountains. I have wondered if the message is really getting through, if they understand what I am trying to communicate, if what I say will make a lasting impacts in their lives. It is scriptures like II Corinthians 4:7 that make me walk forward in faith. God called me to do this so He will give me the words... He called me because He loves me and loves them. He made His Kingdom work in this way, using imperfect people to impact the world with His glory and love. We are simple clay jars, but His glory is revealed in our obedience and His extraordinary power overflows in us when we choose to surrender.
We are ALL called to walk forward in faith towards our individual purpose revealed by God. All of us are called to make disciples wherever we are. If God called you to be a missionary, to adopt children, to evangelize in your city, to invite the weird neighbors over for dinner, would you say it was impossible, or simply obedience?
I am saddened that sometimes Christian culture idolizes Pastors, Ministers, and especially missionaries. Because that mentality only separates incredible people from walking in their destiny and in obedience to God has called them to.
"Super special called-of-God" Christians DON'T EXIST.....We are ALL called! We are all history makers! A stay at home Mother, teacher, police officer, our military men and women, Pastors and church leaders… Each one of us are common people that have been called to obey. It is beautiful and unique for every person. Each of us has a path set before us, which we are called to walk through intimacy with God. The result will be the extraordinary overflow of the power of God in our lives!
Ask God today if you are walking in your purpose? Ask Him to show you how to obey, how to surrender. Then walk forward, knowing that you hold a glorious treasure within that the world desperately needs. You have a glorious treasure within that is meant to be shared!
Since moving to the mission field, people have said things like: “You are a special type of person” “You are chosen for that kind of work” “I could never do something like that”.
Although I appreciate those sentiments as I know they are said in love and encouragement, my heart always is turned to verses in scripture like the one above. “We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within”
It is not a different "special" sacrifice to be a missionary… it is our simple obedience… We are all called to lay our lives down, to die to ourselves to be made alive in Him. There is always sacrifice in the surrendered life, wherever you are. Actually, each persons calling has insurmountable obstacles, mountains and valleys. Yet the blessing that comes from fulfilling it far outweighs the sacrifice!
It wasn’t any easier for me to step into my purpose because I had some supernatural “missionary” heart transplant. When I was little I didn't say “when I grow up I’m going to be a missionary to Nicaragua.” The things I thought at first were impossible slowly became normal. The things that were scary led me to trust God deeply. I don’t “feel” like Gods mighty woman of power when I hike up a mountain and stutter out in Spanish Gods love and heart to people I hardly know… Actually, I feel sweaty and tired and sore after hiking up the mountains. I have wondered if the message is really getting through, if they understand what I am trying to communicate, if what I say will make a lasting impacts in their lives. It is scriptures like II Corinthians 4:7 that make me walk forward in faith. God called me to do this so He will give me the words... He called me because He loves me and loves them. He made His Kingdom work in this way, using imperfect people to impact the world with His glory and love. We are simple clay jars, but His glory is revealed in our obedience and His extraordinary power overflows in us when we choose to surrender.
We are ALL called to walk forward in faith towards our individual purpose revealed by God. All of us are called to make disciples wherever we are. If God called you to be a missionary, to adopt children, to evangelize in your city, to invite the weird neighbors over for dinner, would you say it was impossible, or simply obedience?
I am saddened that sometimes Christian culture idolizes Pastors, Ministers, and especially missionaries. Because that mentality only separates incredible people from walking in their destiny and in obedience to God has called them to.
"Super special called-of-God" Christians DON'T EXIST.....We are ALL called! We are all history makers! A stay at home Mother, teacher, police officer, our military men and women, Pastors and church leaders… Each one of us are common people that have been called to obey. It is beautiful and unique for every person. Each of us has a path set before us, which we are called to walk through intimacy with God. The result will be the extraordinary overflow of the power of God in our lives!
Ask God today if you are walking in your purpose? Ask Him to show you how to obey, how to surrender. Then walk forward, knowing that you hold a glorious treasure within that the world desperately needs. You have a glorious treasure within that is meant to be shared!
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