When your life is here, but your heart is there

I don't know about you, but there are times that I feel pulled between two different worlds. As I have said before, I love missions and ministry and want to help others. I have no doubt that I am where God wants me- in a small southeastern town in the Bible Belt. There have been many times that I have longed to go to other countries on mission trips or go rescue precious children from pain and hurt and be their family. In the midst of my longings to do other things, I have wasted opportunities right where I am. I have become dissatisfied and wished parts of my life away thinking, "When my kids get older, I can do more" or "Then we can go on trips as a family." There is nothing wrong with me having a desire to go on mission trips or do other things, but the problem lies in letting that desire distract you from opportunities right in front of you making you dissatisfied and loosing your joy.

Years ago when I went to Belize, I left my comfort zone and was totally dependent upon Christ. I became surrounded by people whose love for Christ was evident in their daily lives. I was helping others and doing what I loved. I had minimal distractions and could spend lots of time reading and studying the Word. There was an intimacy in my relationship with Christ that over the years drifted away as I got distracted with the busyness of my life here. Last fall, in being dissatisfied and feeling like I wasn't using my gifts, I became depressed. Praise God, though, He heard my cry and has given me a year of Bible study and books that have helped me embrace life right where I am and have more joy and intimacy in Him.

The desire to be involved in ministry and help others is still there. So what do you do with these desires? First of all, I am learning that you cannot overlook the ministry opportunities right where you are. Recently I read the book Undaunted by Christine Caine who is the co-founder of the A21 Campaign. One of the quotes in her book has stuck with me-

"Everyday, there are situations in our normal routines that require us to be the light of Christ in darkness. Waking up spiritually is not just about participating in life-changing efforts of world wide importance, such as stopping genocide. It is walking through our lives wide awake. It is rising ready where we are, with what we have. It is seeing people where they are and meeting their need." 

There are so many people right here who are hurting and in need of our Savior and encouragement. If I am too concerned about the ministries that I am unable to be involved in, I miss out on the opportunities right in front of me, including my family, my church, and my community. 

Secondly, I am learning the importance of being an advocate. There may be opportunities that we are aware of, but others who have the means and desire to help don't know that the needs exist. As you become an advocate and get the word out for these ministries, God can pull upon the heartstrings of others to meet those needs. 

Also, there are things that can be done here to help others in different countries. We can use the time and resources that we have right here to help others. There are so many organizations like Samaritan's Purse and their Operation Christmas Child, The A21 Campaign, The Josephine House, Katie Davis' Amazima Ministries, The Voice of the Martyrs, and so many others that use things that we can do right here to help encourage and support those in need. Also, the simple act of writing a letter or sending a card can mean a great deal to others.

Probably the most important thing that I often neglect is to be a prayer warrior for missionaries, ministries, and those all over the world who are hurting and in need. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church so as Heb. 13:3 says, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them- those who are mistreated- since you yourselves are in the body also."

By God's grace-

Today I will embrace life right where I am, I will choose joy, and I will continue to count gifts-

#1234. Working together as a family, #1235 Ann Voskamp's Thanksgiving tree, #1236 Sitting under the stars with my husband and seeing a shooting star, #1237 Partaking in the Lord's Supper, #1238 Visit from my sister, #1239 Praying together at our church for persecuted Christians around the world, #1240 God's grace and mercy for me, #1241 A renewed intimacy in my relationship with Jesus Christ, #1242 A beautiful bright clear fall morning.