I cannot believe I fly home tomorrow! I have been through so much these six months; equal amounts of tears of laughter and tears of suffering. I have seen so much of the Lord’s will be done here in Panama and back in Costa Rica. I’ve helped plant seeds that I can only hope will blossom. I’ve heard so many wonderful testimonies and have met beautiful people. I have been blessed to live in a Jesus filled community that has called me higher and has pointed me to Him. I have been blessed with two teams that have helped me grow into the woman that Jesus is still shaping me into.
But here’s the deal… I am refusing to go home and act like I already did God’s will, because it doesn’t stop when I get home. I am doing and will continue to do God’s will. Currently. I am not finished. The mission doesn’t stop here in Panama for me. His work isn’t done in me or with me. One of the most important things that I’ve learned on the Race is that ministry starts in your home, in your own community. No way will I act like Jesus hasn’t made me new these six months. I will look more like Jesus. I will pursue Him daily. I will boldly and proudly declare His name. I will surrender my burdens and my triumphs to Him. I will go to Him before anyone. I will praise His precious name. I will be a fool for Him. I will be starting in my own home; asking the Holy Spirit to fill my house and my family because I think there is a lack thereof — there can always be more of Jesus. I won’t be embarrassed or shy away from an opportunity to bring Jesus into my community. Whether it’s going grocery shopping and running into a stranger, or with my coworkers, or with my schoolmates; I will share the love and light of Jesus Christ. I will be interruptible and probably look like a freak doing it.
He is so worthy of being praised. He is so worthy to live for. He is worthy of more than we can ever give Him. He bears everything for us. Our shame, our regrets, our fears, our anxieties, our past, and so much more. He does this WILLINGLY. He makes us new and makes us whole.
So I am willingly surrendering myself as vessel to continue to do His will while I am on this earth. I do this because I know I am not really going home tomorrow. My home isn’t on this earth. It is in Heaven with the almighty and merciful God. With my good friend, Jesus. I surrender my life to Him because I want everyone I run into to make Heaven their home too.
Jaylin, this is so good. It has been great watching you grow during this trip. We love e your statement “I am refusing to go home and act like I already did God’s will, because it doesn’t stop when I get home. I am doing and will continue to do God’s will.” We will be praying for you as you go home!!!