Sunday we had our second team meeting. Many details of our trip are coming together! We will be hosting crafts in the orphanages, sharing bible stories, giving our testimonies, leading worship songs for the kids in the orphanages and at the leprosy colony. We will also be aiding the medical clinics, and hopefully have opportunities for the things "unplanned" that God has willed for us during our journey.
As our departure date draws near our nerves are definitely setting in. Many of the women on our team have young children they will be leaving behind (including me) and although we know the Lord has in deed called us, leaving our children is not an easy task. I am reminded of Christs words, "If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:37-39
On first glance this passage may seem harsh or extreme. How could Christ say such things? I have read this verse many times in my walk with God and every time it speaks to me in a different way. This time around the Lord is speaking to my heart about total surrender. Not just partially serving Him when it fits perfectly into my life and doesn't cause me to sacrifice anything. But to be willing to give it all up because He is worthy of that type of surrender. God never asks us to do anything he Himself is not willing to do for us or has not already done for us. Christ willingly gave up everything for our sake. He chose the cross so we could have life. Jesus understands what total surrender is, and desires for us to partake in it with Him. If we are willing, He will show us an aspect of life we have never known apart from surrendering. There is freedom that comes from serving God boldly and not holding anything back. My son is in Gods hands. Whether or not I am with my family does not change the fact that God is always present with them, watching over them and guiding their lives. Lord, I do surrender and I am willing to take up my cross. This is my personal challenge as I gear up for India. I pray the Lords protection over each child who will not have their mommy for a couple weeks.
Blessings,
Diane
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