I wish I could update you on everything God is doing right now, but I’m afraid I can’t see it. It seems as if I can make out shapes and shadows but unable to have clear vision. As one who has misplaced their glasses sees. Honestly, thank God I don’t have to see it.
Living here in Turkey is the most nomadic I’ve ever felt. My team and I have moved four times in the past two weeks. That means we connect with people, we talk about differences in belief, we leave, and repeat. Being in a constant state of leaving can leave you with the lingering lie of “What have I really accomplished? What am I really doing?”
Maybe you aren’t a missionary. Maybe you are a Christian who lives in America and ponders this lingering lie of non-accomplishment between every Sunday. After all, if you aren’t leading prayer, seeing salvations, leading a small group, directing media, or praying for every person you see in the streets, what are you doing?
Missionary, pastor, worship leader, etc., no matter who you are in the church (I’m talking the body, not just the building), we all can buy into the lie of not doing enough and that we need to do bigger and better things in order for them to count. We tend to think that just because we are not seeing crazy powerful things, God isn’t moving or using us, and we are wasting our time. But I rest in knowing my God is one that works behind the scenes.
When we think we have done nothing except form a friendship, share a tea with a stranger, exchange a few smiles and laughs and left
we are underestimating the power of God to move through the small things. People see Jesus in the way we laugh with them, remember their names, stop by their workplaces to say hello, etc. We have no idea if the barista whose name we remembered felt unknown. We have no idea if that stranger we shared tea with was longing for company. We have no idea if the grocery store clerk we laughed with gave up thinking there was joy left to feel. We don’t know! But even just one light in pitch-black darkness makes a difference. So does your one small touch.
We may not see fruit, but they see Jesus. That is enough.
What a beautiful reminder, sweet Alli! A reminder that living for Jesus isn’t just about the big moments, but that all the seemingly little moments matter as well. I love your heart, sweet girl!
Thank you for being you my sweet girl. I love reading your updates. So proud of you
I’m so proud of you! You are doing amazing things!
Such a good reminder! Definitely need to read this every week. Hahah I love you so much!
This is incredible! Thanks for reminding us that we’re in the seed-planting business, putting little bits of Heaven everywhere we go.