(Image: Pixaba)
Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit.” (John 15:16 (CEB))Last summer I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to New York City. As someone who struggles with claustrophobia and a fear of crowds I wanted to avoid the chaos of big city streets and subways. I doubted that I would make a difference anyway, and I decided not to go. God, however, had another plan. My friends gathered around me and encouraged me to go. Eventually, I gave in, but was still terrified.
One day, while we were working at a food pantry, a man showed up with a food truck to be loaded for a delivery route. He handed me the keys, gave me the list of things he needed in the truck, and said he would be back in an hour. Nervously, I chose my team, and we set to work. When the man returned, his truck was loaded with everything he needed. Later, one of my youth leaders told me that the man had said that thanks to our help, he was able to deliver food to more people than usual. I felt so proud that I overcame my fear of New York City and was able to lead a team to get stuff done.
That trip was the best experience of my life. I learned that I could make a difference, despite being the least likely person for the job. When I trusted God enough to step out of my comfort zone, I realized that God had chosen me for the task and was with me every step of the way.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Dear God, help us to step beyond our routines to do your will so that we can shine your light to the world. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: John 15:12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Where is God encouraging me to go today?
PRAYER FOCUS: People with claustrophobia
***
No comments:
Post a Comment