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.