Beyond the Next Mountain

I recently enjoyed missions conference, featuring Ron Kline. Saturday night he told a fascinating story about the Mhar Indians in India (check out the book and movie called “Beyond the Next Mountain). It is an amazing story of a man who listened when the Holy Spirit spoke to him and obeyed, no matter how crazy it sounded. He was supposed to get the gospel to a head-hunting Indian people group half way around the world, who spoke a rare language. Because of his obedience and faith, and through God’s amazing orchestration, there will be so many more people in heaven. (it is an INCREDIBLE story-- maybe I will expound upon it later).

Ron Kline’s three main themes of his talk were:
1. Always trust the Lord
2. Don’t try to figure stuff out
3. Just make Him look good
He also emphasized several times that “Satan will NEVER tempt you to witness.”

So, these things have been ringing through my head ever since. One instance was last week at the grocery store. I got in line to check out and this little voice that said to me, “give the check out lady the Halloween tract that is in your purse.” Immediately, I said to myself, “the Halloween tract? Nah! I should save it for a little kid.” Then, I remembered Ron Kline’s stories and “don’t try to figure stuff out.” So, I reached into my purse and gave the check out lady the Halloween tract. That instance made me realize how many times I probably quench the Holy Spirit and just out right ignore those little promptings I get!

We live in Disneyworld...

After returning from a mission trip in the Caspian region overseas, I am convinced that life in America is the equivalent of living in Disneyworld. The harsh reality is that we are wasting our lives by spending much of our discretionary time and money on entertainment and our own comfort and amusement. I am also convinced that this is one of Satan's tactics to distract us from living out a purposeful and fulfilling life. For years now, I have always said that my biggest fear is to finally meet Jesus face to face when I die and learn that I totally missed the boat-- that I had missed my purpose in life.

I am so thankful that due to a series of things in my life right now and revelations from God, that I don't have to mysteriously aim at what I think I should do and hope for the best. It is becoming clear to me that an unwasted and purposeful life consists of being a willing instrument for God to use in His plan, while proactively and uninhibitedly sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. Two instrumental catalysts to this conclusion are the mission trip I took and continue to reflect on and being in a class that is reading through John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life."

The problem is, and the reason I couldn't see this before, is because we are SO SO SO distracted in America!!! I cannot tell you how this fact has become so evident to me-- it is as if a veil has been lifted from in front of my face and I am seeing in a whole new dimension.

One of the main points I took away from my trip was how the missionaries where we were are very focused on their goal of advancing the gospel of Jesus. They have a plan. They have a goal. They strategically used our team as part of their plan and then sat down with us at the end of the week to debrief and get feedback. They are continuing to follow up with certain people we met. It is very empowering to be a part of God's plan-- because sharing the gospel is without a doubt, part of His plan.

So, we've been challenged. I've often said that I felt like I flounder through life, just taking in opportunities as they come. But, what would life, the church, the kingdom of God be like if we were all planning, goal setting and being very intentional every day about advancing the gospel.
(Read the book "No Compromise" to get a glimpse of someone in America who did just this).

PS: I think every American should visit a 2nd or 3rd world country and gain a whole new perspective...

Much more to come...