“The normal state of mission is crisis.”
Bang! That goes deep. Deep into me. Those were the powerful words that struck me during our recollection last Monday. I’ve read the outline before the talk, I’ve even made the slide presentations, but hearing it over and over again made a big difference. More when you get to experience it.
I’ve been a lay Catholic missionary for over 8 years already. And I didn’t know what made me last this long. My life has been constantly in crisis. No fail. I’ve experienced, together with my family, so many ups and downs, highs and lows. Just like one big roller coaster that sometimes you’ve felt that you cannot stand up anymore. But the highs were just great too. For over 8 years, I’ve experienced and no doubt, I know, that God never fails to take care of His missionaries. He has been there all along..
Oh yeah, God stretches you too. Make you wait longer than you expected. Even makes you cry. Makes you worry and wonder and even doubt.. and even shout at Him or complain to Him. I can just imagine the smile on His face when in His time, He hands you His surprises, His gifts, His love. Oh, our God is just full of humor. He loves surprises. And because of His miracles and surprises, I kept on holding on, that strength that He gives. It did actually made me a better person.
Currently, I’m in crisis. Oh yes, the life of a missionary is not a bore. We had this one big crisis all the time. Mission life, whether full-time, part-time or any-time is full of crisis, of pains, of sufferings. Man, but the best blessing is knowing how to accept it. Knowing that there is a God who handles everything. There is a God who takes charge. There is a God who carries you all the way.
So, don’t let your emotions control you, don’t let situations fool you. Find the humor in everything. Find God in everything. And Joy will come to life. He is in charge.
Because this is foremost, His mission.
And oh, here’s a cup of coffee… Talk to Him today.
PS. don’t be angry. lol
PSS. just drink. it’s fun.
1 Comment
Lanie Santos on January 18, 2012 at 8:05 pm.
Amen!
Indeed, God is not just good, but GREAT! He is always with us. We may experience difficulties, but He always assures us that He stays on our side.
Of all the friendships I have, one with Jesus is the best. Our friendship never fails!
I will pray for all the Filipino missionaries, that they may always feel God’s presence whenever they do their mission! Instead of saying good luck, God’s love to you and to all the missionaries!