I’ll Go Where You Send Me, God!

-

Driving down the road, I was laughing hysterically as tears rolled down my checks. If anyone would have seen me, I think they would have wondered if I had ‘lost it.’ But, no. I had totally ‘found it.’ I found the answer to a question many of us wonder about. Where will God send me? We say – and mean - things like…
  • I want to be used by God.
  • I told God, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”
  • Use me, God.
  • Show me where you want me to go, God.
  • I’m willing to go to the ends of the earth...with a restriction like “without snakes, please!”
So, why was I crying and laughing? 

My laughter came bubbling to the surface that day as God showed me that 90% of the time when I'm thinking - ‘Whatever you want, God’ - I'm actually translating that to include a huge life change or that a relocation plan is imminent. While I know missions can mean local or foreign, my mind goes directly overseas. My brain goes ‘exotic’ or at least across one state line. And, all this, without any intentional dreaming on my part.

But, why did the absurdity of my reality cause me to laugh hysterically? Because when I say “Use me, God.” or “I’m willing, God.” I’m never – or rarely – picturing that to take place in my own church or community. That’s totally ironic, and a little sad to admit. God sent us to this church and community many years ago. Perhaps that is still where I am to be ‘sent.’ He is using me - right here, and right now. And, that’s all right!

So, now the question becomes “Am I willing to serve here?” and “Am I willing to do whatever God asks of me right here, right now?”

After that cleansing soul cry of laughter, joy and understanding, I now try to refocus my thoughts intentionally. When I sing songs like “I Will Go” (Big Daddy Weave), I try to visualize what that might look like in my home town, in my home church and in my home. I don’t have to wonder or dream of where God may send me next. Instead, I can rejoice in the fact that God sent me right here!

How about you? Are you willing to embrace this statement of faith from “I Will Go” in your life today? It just may bring you to tears – and laughter!

I will go where You send me
To the ends of the earth
Just say the word and I'll go
I will go where You lead me
I'll follow Your heart
Wherever You are
I'll go

“Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

If you’re not familiar with “I Will Go,” I encourage you to take the time to check out the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP6L2J6MCoU ... and start dreaming with God!



yokemates.blogspot.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Make the Connection!

-
            Is attending a carnival ministry? Sure! It’s a unique way to meet people and build relationships. This year, an out-of-town visitor asked my husband if he was the mayor of our town. The sincere question made us both grin! It is so refreshing at times to see things from a different perspective. Apparently, the man had seen my husband “working the crowd” and was intrigued. What this visitor didn’t know was that my husband is friendly all year long – not just at parades or when he is in the public eye. He genuinely loves people, wants them to feel special and takes the time to remember names. Shaking hands and giving hugs comes naturally to him. But, what do I do when “my pastor” is connecting with people? Often, a smile is all that’s needed.               People are always watching, and that reality is easy to forget. As Christians, we are in essence ‘on para...
Read more

Overwhelmed, Underwhelmed or Simply Unmotivated

-
  January is that time of year that many people get the Winter Blues - a general view of life that just says, "Blah!" Being underwhelmed with life threatens our sense of purpose and joy and makes everything seem a bit bland and boring. Perhaps it is fueled by the cold weather, feeling housebound or the fact that all the green things in life are resting dormant below ground or snow. Or, maybe it is just the reality of returning to the basic routines of life (even in a Covid world). All the frantic and fun activities that surround Christmas are behind us, and we just have the decorations and the bank balance to deal with.  For others, January is an excuse to cozy up by the fire, read a book or enjoy an indulgent mug of hot chocolate or hot vanilla. They enjoy their Christmas decorations as long as possible and their soul finds healing when the world is covered in a sparkling blanket of snow. They reflect on Christmas memories made and reread Christmas greetings. They're thr...
Read more

Bathroom Gymnastics?

-
If I had to guess, you’ve been enrolled in the school of bathroom gymnastics along with countless others in our world. It’s much more theatrical than balancing on a beam or flipping around and between parallel bars. Yet, I do believe it involves some of the same skills that are needed for a quality vault or floor routine! See if you can relate… When out and about on a normal day, we find ourselves in need of a place to “rest.” Our own bathroom at home may be preferred, but there are times when one just needs to find a place to “sit a spell” - and soon! So, the search ensues. Is there a business nearby that is open? If so, is their lobby accessible? Do they have public bathrooms? Are they clean by even pre-COVID standards?  Check. Check. Check and check. We breathe a sigh of relief - well almost! It's only now that we see the sign : “Only X amount of people are allowed in the restroom at a time.” (Hmmm…how do I know how many people are already inside?) ...and so, the gymnastics begi...
Read more