Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Power of God Almighty

Just yesterday morning, my world moved into action at whirlwind speed. I found out that, for sure, I have a solid plan for this summer in regards to missions!! For 2 months, I will be serving children and their families in a rural village on the Pacific Rim. This plan has been a long time coming, and has consumed my prayer life for the past few months. I cannot accurately put into words how excited I am about this opportunity!

The whirlwind part of my world began when I realized the little details; the fine print. The place I am going is not very accepting of the Gospel- only .03% of the population are professing Christians, and the rest are greatly opposed to it. When I first read this, I was very excited. It seemed to be a great challenge... and I love being challenged! However, throughout the course of the day I became discouraged, allowing small bits of worry to infect my pulse and stream throughout my mind. "What if I can't do anything?" was my constant cry. "What if they are so struck with fear of persecution and are so devoted to their own religion that they completely reject the Gospel?" I began to feel a jab of despair, as if this trip was going to be useless.

Enter God. He always seems to come through at the perfect moments, doesn't He? I went to BCM'S 180 worship service last night really not wanting to talk to anyone or be happy at all. But then, the Lord followed through with a perfect song, one that most are familiar with: Mighty to Save. It spoke truth to me in a way I had never noticed before: everyone needs compassion. He can move mountains, and He is mighty to save... anyone!

Who am I to question the almighty power of the Almighty One? He can stir the hearts of every Pacific Asian I come in contact with! Their salvation is not by anything I do; it is simply and purely because of the power of God's work. My attitude has completely reversed because of the tearful realization I made last night at 180. The Lord spoke to me in a prompt and powerful way, and I am so thankful that He is alive and mighty! I am now even more excited to leave for the mission He has called me to, to be used as His tool. My new attitude, renewed by Christ alone, is perfectly depicted in one of my favorite verses:


"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth & clothed
me with joy; that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I
will give you thanks forever!" -Psalm 30:11-12

5 comments:

  1. EMILY!!!! Your going to do great over the summer!!! If God wants you there then trust me it's a wonderful reason!! I love you and im praying for you! :D

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  2. Emily,
    It is sooo exciting to hear you are going to the Pacific Rim this summer to serve our Lord! What an amazing opportunity you are blessed with this summer. I will be praying for you :)

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  3. "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

    Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21

    We're excited to see how Christ uses you and what he teaches you this coming summer!

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  4. Emily,
    I am so excited for you and your up coming trip to the Pacific Rim :D I think this is an amazing opportunity for you. I will be praying for you every step of the way! I love you dearly!

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  5. hey girl! i got your letter in the mail yesterday...we're super excited for you this summer! God is goign to use you in so many amazing ways! but we're gonna miss having you around :(

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