I am currently sitting on my hostel bed in the middle of Cairo. This is the last night of my 2011 journey and I have a lot of mixed emotions. On the one hand I am so excited to go back home, not only for the familiar faces and mom’s cooking, but also to see what God would have me do in the next season of my life. On the other hand (Darren) I am saddened by the thought of having to leave the constant companionship of my team members, team mates… brothers!
This year has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, never being able to predict what lies beyond the next turn. It had its lows of just wanting my own space (at least for just a little while) and dumping the responsibilities of my role as leader. I just wanted to make my own choices without having to consider six others. Then there were the extreme highs of scenic beauty, experiencing new
people and cultures, sharing God’s wonderful Word and just spending time with and seeing the guys grow day by day. What a privilege.
Last night Welman came up to me and just commended me on the great job I did in leading the team and helping them to develop. Although this was an honour to hear, I had to point him in the right direction. It was always God and never me. Not once did I feel in total control of the situation, but I also never experienced utter hopelessness. With every hard earned step there was always the hope of the promise God gave me towards the end of last year concerning this year.
“I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set your foot, you will be on land I have given you’”… “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous.
Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study his Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:3, 6-9
These words encouraged me numerous times throughout this year, but the words themselves would mean nothing if I didn’t have faith that God would fulfill these promises. I must admit, my faith wavered sometimes, but God always came through at the right time.
God also showed me during training in Jeffrey’s Bay that my role would be to create the environment for Him to teach the guys.
I would not have to transform them, that it was the job of the Holy Spirit. Now whether I created the right environment I cannot say, but the Holy Spirit sure did do His work well. I can now honestly say that I started off traveling with boys and am bringing home men of God!
The main ingredients for being able to answer the call upon your life would have to be a deep love relationship with Jesus, faith that He is true to His word and obedience to what He asks of you. You do not need talent or experience or self-esteem. You need to hear God speak, obey and have faith that He knows what He is doing even if you don’t.
I encourage you to take that step of faith, listen to that still small voice and His mighty power at work within you will accomplish infinitely more than you might ask or think. I know it did in my life!