Second-String

“Let’s face it.  Sometimes your past simply disqualifies you from doing certain things for God, but that doesn't mean He doesn't have another great plan for your life. “

So let me ask you this, does God really have a second-string?  I know that second-string isn't the best term to use, but you know where I’m going with this…A team of disqualified people that he’s trying to use by making “the best of it.”  Because I've seen entire churches, ministries, and organizations led by broken, put-back-together people.

Many years ago, a friend gave me this “wisdom” and “consolation” as we talked about being called into full-time missions.  He was sure, bold, moving full steam ahead.  I was less sure, still seeking God’s will, wanting more confirmation and preparation.  He equated my uncertainty with God’s certainty that missions just wasn't for me.

You see, it was my divorce that brought me back to the church. 

I had been raised Christian, but somewhere along the way I missed the part about having a personal relationship with Christ and living for Him on a daily basis.  My faith guaranteed that I would go to heaven when I died, but it didn't really impact how I was to live, if that makes sense.  The result was that good things in my life actually became obstacles or idols.  2 college degrees, a successful career, marriage, a house, and all the other stuff needed to "keep up with the Joneses."  Each of these would be blessings under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, but I didn't know that at the time.  So when my husband and I divorced after 3 years of marriage, my search for purpose and meaning led me back to God and what it really means to be born-again.  I'm eternally grateful that He welcomed me with open arms.

So…Did being divorced disqualify me from entering the mission field?  Or from leading as a witness for God?  Did I have to remarry to serve alongside a husband?  Was remarriage even an option in God’s eyes?  Did I need to remarry my ex, or would being yoked with an unbeliever just compound the sin?  I wrestled with these questions for many years - with God, and with the help of godly leaders, mentors and teachers…all the while feeling increased calling and confirmation to lead His work overseas.

In hindsight, I can see how God used my friend to assure me of my calling.  To guarantee it was deeply ingrained in my heart.  Because through 10 years in missions and now 4 in the South African field, my calling has been questioned, doubted, shaken and attacked more times than I can count.  By Satan, by people, even by me… It happens, again and again.

I know I have been called by God.  And anyone who has walked my journey with me knows it too.  Thankfully, in my moments of doubt and weakness, God uses these loved ones to encourage and remind me.  And now that I’m wiser in faith and stronger in my relationship with Christ, I realize that our pasts don’t disqualify us from being used by God.  Anyone who doubts that doubts the redemptive power of Christ.  Because me being in the mission field, and me leading in ministry, has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God.

I Corinthians 1:27 says “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”  We throw that verse around a lot, often in mock humility.  But God really, really, truly, truly does use the foolish things.  As one of those foolish things, I know this from experience.

The deepest yearning of my heart is to remarry someday.  To be yoked with a man who loves the Lord, lives for Him, and has His heart for reaching the lost.  God knows my desire, cares about it, and will either fulfill it or change it someday.  But in the meantime, He and I have some work to do. 

I don’t think that means as second-string, but I’m ok if it does.  What do you think?

On Top of the World

One of the cool experiences during our recent leadership retreat was hiking up a mountain.  At the top, while catching our breath and taking in the spectacular view, we talked about what God revealed to us through the climb.  I loved how the Lord spoke to each of us uniquely - into our own hearts, about our own circumstances, appreciating how wonderfully different we are.  And as we shared, He also knitted us together as a team, revealing even more of Himself to us.

Pressing On

The Lord showed us how the climb was a lot like life.  Easy paths can quickly become difficult terrain, but as we press on one step at a time we get through the prickly shrubs, over the steep rocks and back to even ground.  Scrapes and bruises heal, and through the grace of God we’re stronger for the road ahead.  Plus from the top looking back, we realize just how beautiful the journey was – something difficult to recognize en route dodging thorns, stones and the occasional Cobra (yes, Cobra!).  Keep pressing on towards the goal, the rewards will be worth it! Philippians 3:12-14. 

Pressing Together

The Lord also taught us about teamwork – working together in strength and weakness, leveraging our unique gifts, and encouraging one another.  We started off energized, laughing, talking and singing.  But as the sun beat down and the path became more difficult and then disappeared completely, we grew weary.  Had any of us been hiking alone, we might have been tempted to turn around.  After all, the base of the mountain was quite lovely.  The middle of the mountain had a great view.  There were so many points where we could have justified giving up and feeling satisfied.  But as a team, we urged each other on, lending a hand or encouragement when needed.  And we all made it to the top, some of us having never hiked up such a mountain before.  We’re definitely stronger together than alone.  Romans 15:5-6. Philippians 2:1-2.

Being Impressed

It’s pretty impressive to be able to see for miles and miles in every direction.  Through the beautiful 360-degree panorama, God also spoke about perspective – training ourselves to see things from His point of view, through the lens of His divine sovereignty, power, providence and character.

When were tempted to feel small, insignificant, like what we do or who we are doesn’t matter, we need to remember that God created us for a plan and purpose.  Each of us is uniquely called, uniquely qualified, and uniquely equipped for God’s bigger picture.  Jeremiah 29:11  Romans 8:28. 

When we’re tempted to feel big, self-righteous, self-important, doing things our own way, or even mired down in our own circumstances, we need to humble ourselves before our Creator.  It’s when we humble ourselves that God lifts us up.  1 Peter 5:6.  Philippians 2:3-5.

The Lord speaks in so many amazing ways and this time it was through His Creation.  All we have to do is look and listen…My prayer for all of us.

More Than Conquerors

Words can’t even describe what it’s like to stand in the middle of 900 high schoolers cheering at the top of their lungs! That’s what our school assemblies have been like.

This week we are blessed by a team from Resurrection Life Church Mid Michigan and the Conquerors International Strength Team. They have been treating our youth to amazing feats of strength, music, and break-dancing and the kids absolutely love it!

But this team is so much more than conquerors. Along with these amazing gifts, they are also sharing the gift of hope in Jesus Christ.

With each powerful testimony shared, we see youth light up with the recognition that God loves them unconditionally and has a purpose and plan for their lives. A purpose that can be side-tracked by poor choices, or a lived out abundantly when lived for Christ.

We were talking to a teacher after one of the assemblies and she echoed the same thing. That her students were greatly impacted as they were challenged, inspired and equipped to surrender themselves to Jesus.

Please pray with us for the many youth who have made decisions to live their lives for Christ.

Life for Dry Bones

Imagine walking through a valley where lifeless bones are strewn about. Sounds kind of eerie and scary, doesn’t it? In Ezekiel 37, the Lord led him through such a place. Back…and forth… so he’d see just how many dry bones were all around. Then the Lord asked him “Can these bones live?” and Ezekiel didn’t know the answer. “Sovereign LORD”, he replied, “you alone know.” That’s when God told him and showed him that if he spoke out God’s Word Ezekiel could bring life himself. There is power and life in the Word of God, and we’re called to proclaim it.

This past Sunday Pastor Abram and I attended Pastor Shadrack’s church service. Pastor Shadrack is active in our Enrich program, working hard to grow as a leader and lead his church well. (In this picture are Pastors Shadrack, Abram and David).

As Pastor Shadrack taught from the story of Ezekiel, I was gripped by what it means for us here and now. There are dry, lifeless bones all around us – people suffering and struggling in different ways. Sickness, pain, poverty, addiction, abuse, hopelessness…spiritual and physical death.

Isaiah 61:1-3+ says the Lord has anointed me (you, us) to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom to captives, and to comfort those who mourn – basically to speak life to the lifeless.

Pastor Shadrack encouraged his church to reach out in Qwa Qwa. Please pray for them as they do. And please pray for me also, as sometimes the needs seem so overwhelming I can lose perspective on what God has called and equipped me to do – proclaim the life-giving Word of God.

One Question One Answer

Forgiven? Accepted? Loved? These are just some of the one word questions being asked around the Metro Detroit area. They are popping up on billboards, t-shirts, buttons, etc. Challenging questions with no answers...yet.

The billboards are part of the EACH campaign - Everyone a Chance to Hear. What began as an idea for Bob Shirock and Oak Pointe church grew into a unified group of more than 500 churches and organizations – all with a heart to bring hope to a hurting region.

I saw an interview and read an article from WXYZ.com. Here is what Bob Shirock had to say. “Everyone’s life is a story and it revolves around a word or an issue, and what you’re seeing right now is the first half of the story,” Pastor Bib Shirock says. “But hopefully there’s a second half to the story that’s better than the first half… you’ll be seeing it soon, after Easter.”

The prayer walk this Saturday was AMAZING! Tens of thousands of believers from different cities, churches, denominations, racial and economic backgrounds, all united for fellowship, worship and prayer. We began at Comerica Park, walked along Woodward to the Spirit of Detroit, then headed back to Comerica Park, praying for the city along the way. I know the Lord has great things in store for Detroit if we just turn our focus back to Him. Sharing His Gospel. Teaching His Word. Being His hands and feet. Living His purpose.

Purpose is huge for me. If you know my story, I searched long and hard for purpose and meaning in my life. And that search led me astray. However, when I recommitted my life to Christ, He answered my questions. I discovered my purpose in Him.

Purpose?

Purpose.

Bob Shirock continued in the interview “I’m also hoping that the world sees what’s happening in Detroit, because you know Time Magazine said the world is watching Detroit with an interest to see if it can rise from the ashes. And this is our time in the body of Christ to say to the world, look at what just happened. Churches came together, denominations came together, races came together, and they loved each other and they brought good news and good deeds. I hope the world sees that.”

We all do. My prayers are already lifting and my mind is already whirling about the potential to impact South Africa the same way. To help the region of Qwa Qwa rise from the ashes, lifting the entire nation as well.

Purpose.

My question. Christ’s answer.