Yeah, yeah, gross, I know. But just hear me out.
So this past Wednesday, I got a visit from a very unwelcome guest: The dreaded stomach virus. Isn't it amazing how an organism so small it can't be seen with the human eye can fell a perfectly healthy woman with the body of a supermodel? Yeah, and it took me out, too! :)
OK, OK, so now that you've all had a good belly laugh at my expense, let's move on. :) Anyway, as I was lying in bed Wednesday night wishing more than ever that I could just go home and be with Jesus, I glanced up at my mirror and saw a Christmas card from the IMB that I had stuck there. On the cover, there are pictures of people of different races. And I was reminded of my calling to join the Xtreme Team in South America.
I began to think about the great likelihood of my getting sick while I'm there. The water is not always clean, tropical diseases are plentiful, altitude sickness is probable. As a matter of fact, I just saw an update from the team, and it mentioned how they have been plagued with sickness. And I began to ask myself if I could deal with frequent GI bugs in order to tell people about Christ. Was it really worth it to me?
I realize that's completely ridiculous. I mean, seriously, that shouldn't even warrant a comparison! A few hours or days of minor discomfort versus an eternity in hell? But I'm just being honest with you here: I hate stomach viruses. Hate them with the white-hot passion of a thousand suns. So, I'm ashamed to admit, it was kind of a struggle for me.
But then it hit me: When did I start thinking I'm supposed to have it easy? Why is it that I expect my life to be some comfy, cozy bed of roses? I've never been promised anything of the sort. As a matter of fact:
"In this world, you will have trouble." (Jn. 16:33, emphasis mine)
The Lord Jesus says this after telling His disciples they will all scatter and leave Him prior to His crucifixion. He has also just explained that they will grieve while the world rejoices but that their grief will turn to joy. Finally, in verse 33, He explains that He has told them all of this "so that in me you may have peace" and He reminds them that He has "overcome the world." What good news!
But, in thinking along this same vein, I was reminded of how good it will be, what a privilege it is to suffer for the name of Jesus. Think I'm crazy? Check this out:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (1 Pet. 4:12-14)
Peter wrote this letter to a group of believers who were dying for their faith, and yet he told them they were blessed if they were able to participate in Christ's sufferings. Why? Because God's Spirit rests on and is manifested through those who suffer. That's how His glory is revealed!
Now that might sound pretty hollow coming from... say... me. But, see, Peter had actually lived that out in his own life. Remember what happened when he and John had a little run-in with the Sanhedrin over healing a bunch of people in Jerusalem? They were thrown in jail and flogged for it. And how did they respond?
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." (Acts 5:41)
Wow. They considered it a privilege to suffer for Jesus, and they were whooping it up because they had been allowed to suffer for Him! It was an honor for them! Why is it that I complain because I have to stop for three red lights on the way to work, and these guys were whipped and are pumped up about it?
As I count down the time to moving to Bolivia, I realize just how much my perspective needs to change. I want to count it a privilege to suffer for His Name. He is the Only One Worthy!
Field Update
I'll be heading to Richmond this Tuesday afternoon, February 5, for a three-day candidate conference at the IMB. I'm really excited about the conference, as I will have the opportunity to research my people group, the Quechua Indians of southern Bolivia. I will also be able to spend time with other missionary candidates who are going through the process as well, and I will have a variety of physical exams. Other than that last part, it should be a lot of fun! :)
Once this conference is complete, my references will be released to the IMB. No, I haven't forgotten about the references I requested from some of you! :) You will be getting a form to complete within the next few weeks, assuming I don't make a complete idiot of myself at this conference (always a possibility!).
The final HUGE hurdle to pass will be trustee approval in April. If I am approved by the trustees, everything from that point on is kind of a formality.
Prayer requests
1. That I would be able to prioritize my time in getting everything done. I have begun taking a online seminary course, and it is quite challenging to add on to an already busy schedule. My missionary position requires 30 hours of seminary training, so this is a necessity, rather than a luxury.
2. That I would be able to effectively and efficiently learn Spanish. I have a computer language program, but immersion training is invaluable. I would prefer to be fluent before going to the field, and there might be the possibility of attending language school in Costa Rica before I go. Pray that the Lord's will would be done in this area.
3. Please begin to pray for the trustee approval process. This is truly a significant hurdle, but I know God has called me to this work and that He will pave the way in His timing. Pray that I will develop Christlike character through the process.
I love you each very much, and I pray that God will pour out His Spirit upon you today!
