One of the challenges I found in life overseas is the lack of resources available for Christian growth. No Christian bookstores, often no radio stations, no conferences, retreats, and Internet access can be touch and go. Many times there aren't even churches to attend. And then there's the issue of finding something in English! (as a "bookie" it killed me to leave so many books in the States!) In the US, as we all know, the resources abound. We have so many opportunities to further our spiritual growth. My whole life I have been blessed with resources available at every turn.
While our organization prepared us for this, there is nothing quite like experiencing it. Our first year, I struggled with this issue, and I have to say I floundered. Unfortunately, I had done "autopilot" in the States at times, but there was no autopilot in territory that I knew nothing about. I was so fat (anyone remember Amy Grant's "Fat Baby"?) from being fed by others, that I didn't truly know how to feed myself and be satisfied with the Word ALONE, all the time.
So how does a missionary ask for help in this area??? Not exactly the type of question you put in a prayer letter. Because you know, missys are spiritually superior!!! ;) (that's another story ). When I reflect on it, maybe it was for the better, because I ended up going to The Source. Desperate with the need to survive and desire to thrive in my first term, I cried out to God. He led me to himself. I began to spend more and more time in the Word and learn what it meant to be "self fed". I no longer needed to depend on other avenues, because I had found the True Source. This "challenge" of lack of resources turned out to be a huge, life changing blessing.
Fast forward 3 1/2 years, back in the States, and I have found myself getting fat again. I (and maybe you too) am facing the challenging of so many spiritual distractions. It shouldn't matter if I was challenged by Sunday's sermon, or if I can't find that cd to lift my spirit, or that book to spur me on...it should be my Lord, the Holy Spirit and His Word that I depend on and desperately need.
So, for the New Year, I have resolved to "slim down" in a few areas:
1. My home- trying to simplify and get rid of stuff that weighs me down. These things may not be wrong to have, but do I really need all of it?
2. My body- To eat healthier snacks and get in better shape
3. My spiritual life- I need to lose some "fat" here too. To not depend on books, sermons, music to feed me. I need to FIRST be in the Word, and quiet, listening before Jesus. (Please hear me out, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with those other things- it just can't be my main source. Jesus can and often does use those- He just wants me to find my all in Him. Are you with me?)
My prayer this year in this area comes from Jeremiah 15:16 "When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name."
One of the ways I will meet this goal is to fill my mind with the Word by memorizing. I am joining in with Beth Moore and other women in their scripture memory team. You commit to memorizing just 2 verses a month, more if you'd like, for the year. Check it out and join the challenge! Click here.
Right now I am working on memorizing Ephesians 6:10-18 in preparation for my trip to Thailand. (By the way, I'll be posting more about the trip this week).
Please hold me accountable to any of these- but especially #3. I would really appreciate it, and if you join in on the scripture challenge, let me know so we can encourage each other.
