Poverty. Persecution. Suffering. Lostness. Addiction.
Darkness. These are things that consume our world, hold happiness in a
stranglehold, and suck the life out of billions of people. This planet we call
home is riddled with pain, and those of us who are blessed enough to be removed
from such horrors as starvation, disease, and filth so easily ignore it all.
It’s so easy to sit inside our air conditioned houses on cushy couches and make
grandiose plans about our futures.
But don’t we have a responsibility to the lost and
suffering? As a Christian I believe that Jesus has called me to follow Him in
making disciples, bringing the gospel to all nations, and helping the suffering.
It is my purpose in life to know, love, and serve Him. Where does a trip to
Britain fit into all that?
For a long time I’ve struggled with the difficult
question, “Is this really how God wants me to spend my time and money?”
Couldn’t my Britain fund be put to a better use in saving someone’s life in
Sudan or feeding a hungry child in Guatemala? Should I be flying to Tanzania
instead of England? Should I work with the unreached masses in India rather
than attend a Bible school in Lancashire?
The answer seems obvious—of course bringing the gospel to
the world is more important than a pleasure-trip for me. But then how do I go
about it? Do I relinquish all my dreams of European travel and immediately
dedicate myself to the lost and starving?
Which lost and which starving? African, Asian, American?
Is it going
overboard to give up my lifelong dream for Christian service, or is it exactly
the kind of radical devotion and total abandonment that Jesus requires?
Have you ever been faced with this dilemma—to pursue
something for yourself or to give it up for others, or if you’re a Christian,
for Christ? I don’t want to live a self-consumed life where I am the end and
the means and Jesus is just a friendly spectator. I don’t want to go to Britain
if it isn’t His will.
And so I’m back to square one. Confused, worried,
depressed, unsure. Is this what following Christ is like, or is this what
fighting against Him is like?
-Abigail
London Eye & Big Ben at sunset, a photo by Harshil.Shah on Flickr.
Pink Patang, a photo by Meanest Indian on Flickr.
Wow....I'm going through the same thing. Talk about deja vu! I've been praying and seeking for the Lord's direction for my life - where would He like me to focus and serve Him??? Specifically, how do I go about helping those in the slave trade, orphans, the sick and helpless etc.?
ReplyDeleteDoes my desire to visit Britain fit into His plans or is it a selfish desire?
Everything you said I can relate to!
Have you ever read any of Leslie Ludy's books?
Right now I am going through "Sacred Singleness" and "Set-Apart Femininity." Both have encouraged me and caused me to draw closer to God as I seek His direction. They both talk about living a vibrant life, set on fire for God. Leslie Ludy has a heart for orphans and knows exactly where we are coming from.
I just thought you may find them encouraging as well :]
I'll be praying for you Abby!
In Him,
Devin
Thank you so much, Devin! It's good to know that I'm not alone in this :)
ReplyDeleteI'll look up Leslie Ludy; it sounds like she has some good things to say.
I'll pray for you and keep you updated on my own journey!
God bless,
Abby
There are two principles that guide me:
ReplyDelete1. Charity begins at home. There's lots to do in our immediate surroundings , town, village.
2. I'm not in charge of the world. God is, and He knows what He's doing. I'm just a tiny dot in the universe.
Thank you, Duta! You're absolutely right. While we can make huge changes in this world, we certainly aren't in control of the whole thing! This sort of ties in with a blog post I did on my personal blog: http://differenthomeschoolgirl.blogspot.com/2011/08/bit-of-earth.html
ReplyDeleteAbby, I believe if you are living a Christian life, praising God and asking His help for all His children, and yielding yourself to His will, He will let you know in an unmistakeable way (to you) if you need to change your plan.
ReplyDelete@ Judeann: Thank you so much for your words of wisdom! Nearly everyone I've asked about this seems to be coming to the same conclusion, and it's getting easier for me now!
ReplyDeleteabby; Jesus said to go into all the world & preach the gospel. it sure sounds like you have that desire, & He'll give you the desire of your heart. i went to israel in 1973 with the intention of leading souls to the Lord, & Jesus gave me the privilege of leading several jewish people to the Messiah. if this is your calling, then no one can possibly close the door that the Lord has opened for you. go where the Lord leads you, & you'll be the happiest woman in the world.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, mike
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Mike. It is greatly needed and appreciated!
DeleteGod bless,
Abby