Tuesday, January 4, 2011

"Making disciples is not an easy process. It is trying. It is messy. It is slow, tedious, even painful at times. It is all these things because it is relational. Jesus has not given us an effortless step-by-step formula for impacting nations for His glory. He has given us people, and He has said, ‘Live for them. Love them, serve them, and lead them. Lead them to follow me, and lead them to lead others to follow me. In the process you will multiply the Gospel to the ends of the earth.’

"…According to Jesus, disciple-making involves going. It involves intentionally taking the Gospel to people where they live, work, and play. Disciple-making is not a call for others to come to us to hear the Gospel but a command for us to go to others to share the Gospel. A command for us to be Gospel-living, Gospel-speaking people at every moment and in every context where we find ourselves."

-"Radical" by David Platt

Sunday, January 2, 2011

2011.

A couple of quick thoughts to bring in the new year:

First, this has been the best and most relaxing break that I've probably ever had in my life. No pressure to get things done, no long to-do lists, no worrying about upcoming tests or assignments... Only time to sleep in, hang out with family, play in the snow, read books, do crafts, and practice piano/guitar. It's a beautiful thing.

Second, I'm realizing that 2011 carries with it a great weight of mystery. I know what life will tentatively look like for the next four and a half months, but after that...? I have no idea. Where will I be this summer? I don't know. What will I be doing? I don't know. Will I go to grad school in the fall? I don't know. Where will I be in the fall? I don't know. And the scary thing is, I might not know for awhile.

So here's to a month of prayer and fasting, and discerning a bit more of what the future will hold. Praise God for His sovereignty over what's to come, even though I am clueless. Praise God that I can trust Him to lead me in His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Praise God that He uses these times of clouded confusion to cause my feet to walk closer to His certain, glorious steps.

Thank You, Lord, for what You have done in 2010, and thank You, Lord, for all You will do in 2011!