Take Heart in the Aftermath...

There are days when things hit me.

And tonight…I might have Louisville Slugger imprinted on my face. It’s a plethora of complicatedness. Hard to isolate it all, but as I was sitting, listening, rocking and crying – this is what I felt the Lord speaking to me in the midst of the whirlwind that is our lives, our ministry and adoption. Maybe speaking is too delicate of a verb – I was being corrected, loved, healed and taught.

I can only speak from the perspective of what I know and right now, all we know is One Child Campaign. We know it’s a calling, a passion and a purpose - we've given our lives for this. What it is not is a career or a fuzzy way for us to make ourselves look or feel good. It does not always feel good. We know we are called.

That said, I hope this comes across as an exhortation – but it also comes as a warning – a calling is not something to be taken lightly. It’s not just about a cause. It’s about the King and His Kingdom. This is not a game, it’s not a popularity contest. It’s certainly not trendy, no matter how hot we think it is. It’s not about politics, but it’s about purity of heart.

If I’m being totally transparent, this is not glamorous. Is it a lot of fun and full of purpose? Yes. But make no mistake, ministry is a battle, an ugly, everyday fight! If you feel called, you’d better put on the whole armor of God. Take a peek at Ephesians. We have to know what it is to love. We have to know who we are and more importantly Who He is. If not, you’d better put down your plans, check the motivation of your heart and lay down your marketing strategies and your creative new designs. Put it down. The world does not want to see it, nor will it accept it. Should we be about excellence when representing the King? Absolutely. However, recently, someone shared with me that excellence is not perfection.

Tonight, I was tired, exhausted, drained and if I’m being real, didn’t know if this was something that I could carry on doing as I encountered yet another full-blown panic attack. Huh. Interesting thought, I thought it was ME doing it. We don’t have a staff, we don’t have many volunteers so we take a lot on ourselves to make it all happen. Blood, sweat and tears has become a reality. Iniative and passion are good, workaholic, not so much. I’m thankful for family, friends and a church that constantly keep me in check in being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We are not just in a battle to meet the needs of the destitute, we are in a war to save the souls of men, women and children through the compassion of Jesus. We are to be the body of Christ and love in word AND in deed. We are in a time where humanitarian efforts are objectified and though they are good – they are not the end all. We cannot be vessels of redemption without understanding our redemption first. We cannot be people of reconciliation and repairers of the breach without being willing to live in total surrender and obedience. We have to strive for Jesus to be lifted up, not only in words, but also through miraculous signs, wonders and miracles. That is what we must desire and not building our kingdoms and reputations. If there is an ounce of pride a spirit of competition, we must shed it for humility and partnership. Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him - the joy was us! The joy of the Lord is our strength.

Are you willing to be totally invisible? Attacked? Rejected? Misunderstood? Compared to others? If you know who you are and you are ready to be considered a fool – then you are ready to step into your calling. This is a process and our salvation must be walked out daily. I know we have just scratched the surface, but it has been a baptism of fire and we are being purged. May I take this opportunity to make sure that you understand that this rant is not based on fear, there is no fear in love…but it is a walk of faith. Pick up the shield and walk on. Take heart and find yourself in Him - in the aftermath.

“And I know that You’re with me
Yes, I know that You’re with me here
And I know Your love will light the way
Now all I have I count it all as loss
But to know You and to carry the cross
Knowing I’m found
In the light of the aftermath”

- Hillsong United, Aftermath