Have I Made You Something You Are Not?

As I grew up, the growth of my faith often relied heavily on experiences. Whether it was through church camp, Sunday school, weekend retreats, confirmation, youth group, or mission trips- I had done it. Of course, when I share my testimony, those events are integral parts that built a strong foundation for my life. They allowed me to experience God through community, worship, serving, etc.

But, my question for myself is- Have I made God something that He is not? 

Have I created this idea that God is only with me when good things are happening?

Have I created this idea that God’s love is conditional and I have to earn it? 

Have I created this idea that God loves others more when they serve more? 

Have I created this idea that my relationship with God is wavering? 

I have been learning that God no longer wants me to rely on experiences. He wants me to rely on His word and my personal relationship with Him. He no longer wants me to strive to earn His love but rather find rest in Him.

The photo I have attached is from a day we traveled to the villages. After meeting with some pastors, our host let us know that on the way back we would all be preaching. I asked what he wanted us to share about and where we would be doing it. He told us that he brought his sound system and that we will stop on the way home to share whatever we feel called to share. I was skeptical and hesitant to believe him but we did indeed stop. I got out of the vehicle overlooking a field with about 3 homes in sight. He sets out the speaker and microphone unknowing if people are even home or listening. It was not grandiose, but it was personal. With no preparation, we relied on the Word of God to share our hearts.

There is this song called ‘Control’’ by Tenth Avenue North. Here are a couple lyrics:

God you don’t need me 

But somehow You want me 

This song is a reminder to me of the Fathers unexplainable and undeserving love He has for us. Did you know that God did not create this world out of His own need but for His Glory and our Joy?

These past couple weeks here in Guatemala have caused me to break. A quote I read a few day ago says “and before something beautiful builds, something beautiful breaks too”. Something beautiful is being built, restored, and renewed inside of me. It is like rebuilding a home.

So although I will be having new experiences with many ministries around the world this year, I pray

• I will remember that my faith is not defined by doing but by being
• I will continue to shed any false ideas of who God is
• I will find stability/rest in the Lord
• That this year will be a launching pad into a lifetime of commitment To Him that is not reliant on experience

Other Prayer Requests: 

• For my host family’s vehicle to be repaired with minimal costs. It is important to their ministry to travel to the villages.

• My teammate Joana and I met an elderly man who is paralyzed from his waist down who uses a wheelbarrow for mobility. Pray that we will have access to a wheelchair for him soon.

Be well. Love well.

Mags