I think most people (including many Christians) believe for the most part that they are here to get whatever good they can out of life. What that “good” might be is different for different people, but in the end, it still boils down to a “what’s in it for me” belief system. I used to think that way – I loved God, but still just assumed that life was about getting a good job, getting married, buying a house, having a family and making the most of the “free time” I had outside of these things with meals out, vacations, movies/TV, time with friends (which included church activities), etc. But at some point, I slowly realized that I was first put on this earth to “be” something and then to “do” something. I described the “be” part in my post entitled “Just Being.” It took me quite awhile to see that I could not “fix” myself and I needed to ask God to make me into who HE created me to be – that took some cooperation on my part, but He still changed me on the inside in ways I could have never changed myself and I don’t even recognize the person I am today. But then I began to realize my life is “not my own; I was bought at a price.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20) I discovered my life was a stewardship and that some day I will be held accountable for how I used it – did I use it for my own purposes and pleasures or did I use it as the One Who purchased it would have wanted me to? As the very first sentence of the book “The Purpose Driven Life” states, “It’s not about you (me).” This is part of what the Bible talks about when it speaks of “dying to self.” It took time for me to really release my whole life to God, but when I did, it became full of much more purpose, meaning, freedom and a greater adventure than anything it could have been living it for myself. I think this is evidenced, as well, in the life of my friend’s brother-in-law, Dr. Kent Brantly (referenced in this post and who, at this writing, is doing very well – praise God and thank you for your prayers!) Kent’s life, well summed up in his first released statement seen here, shows that he and his family are also some of the few who really “get it.”
Moving to Ecuador was a big “assignment” and I believe God (as He always does) had multiple purposes in it. Underneath the umbrella of this assignment, there have been other “smaller” assignments here, which are continuing to unfold. As I’ve said before, following God’s leading to move and live here has not been easy, (and Jesus tells us “in this world you will have trouble”) but I have already experienced much blessing in my obedience.
Recently, God brought me yet another song, which was very timely in the circumstances of the moment, but continues to be meaningful to me for the overall journey of this assignment, as well as my life – interestingly, it is entitled “Just Be.” Following are the words, as well as the YouTube video of the music – I hope you enjoy it.
JUST BE – Lyndsay Taylor 2003
It’s gonna take more than I have in me
It’s gonna make me step outside the lines I’ve drawn
It’s gonna be too much on my shoulders anyway
But if You’ll speak in me the truth
and if You’ll urge my feet to move
And if You promise to carry me through
I’ll do this only for You
I refuse to be self confident because behind You I am free
and I refuse to make my own plans, but I will dream
So if You’ll sit on the front row, so I’ll be sure to hear Your applause
And if Your dreams for me will be the only path You let me walk
I’ll do this always for You
CHORUS
And if You say breathe, I will breathe in deep Your peace
And if You say sing, each note will release thanks
for every chance to bring this small offering
for the freedom You bought me
the freedom to just be
It’s gonna take more than I have in me
but I’m not trusting in me
Cause once again You call the most unable
to show Your vast ability
So if You’ll help me strive to be faithful, not extraordinary
Then I’ll be free to walk through doors wipe open, opened by You
CHORUS
And if You say breathe, I will breathe in deep Your peace
And if You say sing, each note will release thanks
for every chance to bring this small offering
for the freedom You bought me
the freedom to just be
The JOURNEY 