As college graduation creeps closer and closer, the pressure to form an opinion on every burning theological issue rises within me. I can remember, last spring, looking up from my homework multiple times with my head swimming and my heart lost not knowing what to think about homosexuality or if Islam was wrong or just a Christian heresy? Processing and praying what a woman in ministry should look like. It is not that Northwestern was pushing me to find what I believe or even to accept what they think; in fact, many of my professors have encouraged me to continue asking questions and seeking, not to rush this exploring process.
But, my mind still wanted answers.
This pressure on myself to discover what I believe altered my devotion times. Instead of reading the Bible to learn more about Christ, to see the nature of God or to see the Biblical meta-narrative, I was picking apart each verse to try to find out what exactly the Bible says about some of these issues. I walked away from all this being confused, frustrated, and spiritually exhausted. How am I going to be able to minister to people this summer? I wondered and prayed.
Almost without realizing it, none of those issues have entered my mind since I have been in Greece. Being surrounded by people who do not believe in the Gospel curves your mindset into being focused solely on Christ crucified and sharing that with others. One of the biggest aspects of this trip as been learning to live in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, as John Wilcox encourages. Hardships are more bearable when focused on the glory of the cross. Becoming aware that the spirit of the risen Christ surrounds us every day brings comfort and peace. Everything of this world loses its nagging urgency when our eyes are focused on the light of our Savior.
"Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
Prayer Requests:
- That Chachi and I will be able to do everything that needs to be done during these last six days and discern between what not to do
- Safety for the refugees who are seeking Christ and that they will be able to see the power and wisdom of God
- As Ramadan starts this week, may all their fasting and prayer draw them closer to Jesus
Praises:
- How much love the team has showed us
- The hospitality of the refugees
- All that God has showed us about ourselves and about Himself
But, my mind still wanted answers.
This pressure on myself to discover what I believe altered my devotion times. Instead of reading the Bible to learn more about Christ, to see the nature of God or to see the Biblical meta-narrative, I was picking apart each verse to try to find out what exactly the Bible says about some of these issues. I walked away from all this being confused, frustrated, and spiritually exhausted. How am I going to be able to minister to people this summer? I wondered and prayed.
Almost without realizing it, none of those issues have entered my mind since I have been in Greece. Being surrounded by people who do not believe in the Gospel curves your mindset into being focused solely on Christ crucified and sharing that with others. One of the biggest aspects of this trip as been learning to live in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, as John Wilcox encourages. Hardships are more bearable when focused on the glory of the cross. Becoming aware that the spirit of the risen Christ surrounds us every day brings comfort and peace. Everything of this world loses its nagging urgency when our eyes are focused on the light of our Savior.
"Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
Prayer Requests:
- That Chachi and I will be able to do everything that needs to be done during these last six days and discern between what not to do
- Safety for the refugees who are seeking Christ and that they will be able to see the power and wisdom of God
- As Ramadan starts this week, may all their fasting and prayer draw them closer to Jesus
Praises:
- How much love the team has showed us
- The hospitality of the refugees
- All that God has showed us about ourselves and about Himself
So beautiful, Linds. Thank you for the reminder to 'live in the crucifixion.' Can't wait to be living with you again!
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