Ready to Receive?

An article that I submitted to The Steadfast, Talbot's newsletter:

"To give is better than to receive," is a statement our mothers taught us growing up so that we would be good, generous people. It is a true statement, but at the same time, there is a place for receiving. Being in the Holy Land was a powerful experience, and I will take all of the sights and sounds of Israel with me for life. Yet, the most memorable experience of the trip for me was the lesson of receiving.

A few days before the end of the trip, along with many others in our group, I came down with the stomach flu. During this time, I had to depend on others to care for me. My roommate got me water, crackers, bread -- all the essentials for someone on a limited diet due to the stomach flu. She even did my last-minute souvenir shopping. People checked up on me, took pictures and videos for me, gave me massages, encouraged and prayed for me. I was greatly blessed by the love I felt by the members of our group while I was sick, and realized that this is what it means for the body of Christ to function as the family of God.

Thankfully, the resort we stayed at in En Gev was situated right along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, so I was able to enjoy the beautiful view from my bedroom window. Lying there looking at the Sea of Galilee, I meditated on how Jesus came not for the well, but for the sick. Then I realized how I am that sick person who needs healing -- not only physically, but spiritually. God showed me how I don't have it all together -- how I'm broken and wounded, and how much I need His healing. I used to think that with going into ministry I was on this super-spiritual level, having the whole "I have to save the world" syndrome. However, God showed me that it's not even about me saving people. I need Him just as much as that rowdy kid who never stops talking during a Bible study. I need Christ as much as that man on the street, pushing his grocery cart filled with all his earthly possessions, sleeping on the stairs of my church. I need Jesus as much as that Haitian orphan, who has no home, no family, no place to go. I need God just as much as that adamant atheist who mocks my faith when I try to share with him the best news ever. I need Him as much as that tyrant dictator who has killed so many innocent people.

The essence of the Gospel message is receiving. We must realize that we can't do anything to earn God's love and forgiveness, and simply be open to receiving the free gift He's already given us through Christ's sacrifice. As others cared for me in Israel, this Gospel truth came to life for me in tangible ways. I want this essential truth to be the center of my life. Sadly, in ministry this basic truth can get pushed aside as I try to do things in my own strength instead of seeing how God's grace is made perfect in my weakness. It's in this very place of weakness that effective ministry takes place. We're all broken people, in need of a Savior. Ministry is about coming alongside others, as we look to the One who ultimately heals our brokeness.

5 Years is a Long Time

"5 years is a long time."

~A quote from Nancy's and my quotebook from 3rd year of college...

I was looking through all my albums on facebook today. It's true that a picture is worth a 1000 words. It's amazing how powerful pictures are and how much it can capture. As I reflect on the past 5 years, I am amazed at God's faithfulness to me through it all. Where was I 5 years ago? I was still a senior in high school, getting ready to graduate, excited for the adventure of UCLA that awaited me.

In this 5 year time span I have: Graduated high school. Graduated college. Started seminary. Travelled to 12 countries. Became a choir director and youth worker at church.

It's pretty crazy to see God's hand throughout my life: changing my direction, from doing my own will to following His will...changing my heart: breaking me free from bondage...helping me enjoy Him supremely. It's encouraging to me to see His faithfulness to me despite my lack of faith so many times, and it's encouraging to me to see how He's grown me through these years - because I often get frustrated at myself for not being "fully sanctified" now. But it's true - we are all in process, and I am in process.

I've seen family and friends graduate from high school, graduate from college, move to different countries, go to grad school, get married, have kids, watch their kids grow older. It's interesting to see how much can change in 5 years or even in 1 year or even in 1 day.

The thing that I realized throughout this whole reflection is how God has brought amazing people in my life to walk alongside of me through this journey - to love me, encourage me, help me, teach me, laugh with me, cry with me. I have learned so much from the community He has given me about His love and grace, and I know I would not be the person I am today without all of you. I am so thankful for my friends who have become my family as we are all one in Christ. I am thankful for y'all, dear friends.

And now, as I look forward to the next 5 years and the new adventures God has in store for me, I await eagerly and expectantly...trusting in His faithfulness...and even though I don't know where the road will take me, I'll take one step at a time as I surrender my will to His perfect plan.

Happy Resurrection Weekend! Let's celebrate our Risen Savior and Lord! woot! partay!