Psalm 139:16
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
As I sit here, on a cool February morning, drinking my hot coffee, with my cat lounging beside me, I can’t help but consider…
…I live alone.
Ten years ago, had you told me that at 27 that I’d still be single, without a miniscule hope of marriage, I’d have cried and argued. I wanted a husband. I wanted a bunch of kids. I wanted to be a soccer mom. (Don’t laugh. It’s valid. It’s what my culture called success.)
…I live in Kuwait.
Five years ago, had you told me I’d be joyfully living and working in the Middle East, I’d have laughed and called you crazy. I could never imagine living so far away from my family.
…I’m enraptured by the Holy Spirit.
Three years ago, had you told me that I’d be comfortable in Charismatic circles and interested in global evangelism, I would have said that it was not part of my personality or gifting. I’m shy and quiet. I don’t believe with those ‘hypocritical judgmental people’.
…I’m a youth leader.
Two years ago, had you told me I’d be in charge of teaching the Bible to 12 middle school girls on a weekly basis, I would have questioned my ability and made a million excuses as to why I couldn’t do it. I’m introverted. I’m an assistant, not a leader. I’m not organized enough. I’m awkward. I’m a dork.
…I teach at the church.
Last year, had you told me I’d be working at TLA this year, I would never have imagined how it would come to be. I’d have wondered how I would find the skills to teach ages I’d not been trained to teach.
And right now, as I sip my now-lukewarm coffee and get ready to start my day, I thank God from the bottom of my heart that He does not let me become only who I plan to be.
I thank Him that He does not let me hide behind my weaknesses. Because light shines brightest in darkness. My weakness glorifies His strength.
I thank Him that He has a plan for my life, that He’s had a plan for my life before I was even created! My parents may not have planned for me to be born, but God had a purpose for me before the world began, and He won’t stop until I’m the woman He meant me to be from the beginning.
And He’s got a purpose for His Church, too. As Reinhard Bonnke said, “You are not filled with the Holy Spirit just to be happy and clappy and blessed.”
Christine Caine said it in another way:
"[Jesus] didn't come so we could do our nice comfortable routine and lifestyle. He came so we could fulfill the works He established for you and me beforehand. Somehow we have replaced this life God has for us with the safe life we have created for ourselves. Somehow we have told ourselves it's okay not to take risks. But God has a job for us to do on earth. The whole purpose of life is not to arrive at death safely."
Our job is to bring hope to the hopeless.
Justice to the oppressed.
Healing to the hurting.
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.Isaiah 61:1-3
And that’s why Christ lives inside of us.
So that we can continue the work of Jesus.
To bring His light into their darkness.
To shine like stars in the universe.
