I just got home from the weekly missions staff meeting at my church and got to share with the Missions Team a bit more about my trip and what kinds of things I'll be doing at Living Hope.
Generally, they start the staff meeting with a time of devotion. This morning one of them shared from Luke Chapter 9. With sixty plus verses this chapter is jammed packed with stories. A very "busy" chapter if you will. Kim framed her story by sharing that a dear friend of hers recently passed away, in the midst a very busy season for Kim. When Kim heard that her friend had become ill, she had every good intention of reaching out to this person with words of encouragement, but time got away from her and she very tragically did not get to speak with her friend before he passed. What heartbreak Kim is now experiencing in the wake of losing her friend and longing for that chance again to speak to him.
I was so grateful Kim shared her story and her strong words of encouragement with the rest of us, to not waste a moment. Kim's words were a clear message to me to be obedient to what God is telling me to do, no matter the circumstances I currently am facing. Here's the passage from Luke 9: 60-62 in The Message that she shared:
Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home." Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."
Honestly, it makes sense for me to delay going to South Africa. Is anyone ever really READY to leave? It seems my "to-do" lists are never ending. I will always need more money. I could always use more time with my friends. Another time in my life might make more sense...
But God's word says it all. No procrastination. You can't put if off until tomorrow. Seize the day.
Do it.
