In Costa Rica, we spent most of our time in Los Chiles, aka, the jungle. Every morning, we woke up to the sound of monkeys hollering and dogs barking. At night, we would layer on clothes to prevent the bugs from biting us, which never really worked. And the main thing that we ate over the last 2 months was rice, beans, and yuca (a startchy food, similar to potatoes).
Living in the jungle was very challenging. We had no wifi, and our main ministry was manual labor. We mixed concrete, dug holes, and even built a wall for a house. There were times when I didn’t understand why we were doing something. There were moments when I didn’t want to pick up my shovel and mix another batch of concrete. There were times when I was over the jungle.
But then God spoke to me. “You are not working for yourself.” Everything shifted. God was right. I wasn’t working for me. This is not about me. This is about Him. Even when things don’t make sense. Even when ministry isn’t something I am not passionate about. It is not for me. It is for God. I am here to love God, love people, and listen for His voice. And sometimes that will include doing something that I don’t enjoy. But that’s where surrender comes in. That’s where I need to die to myself. Because sometimes God just needs me to say yes, even if it doesn’t make sense, or even if I don’t want to.
What is God asking you to do that is making you hesitant? How is He asking you to die to yourself today?
Great reminder here Hannah…. I find myself reminding my grumbling self to remember that all we do, we do for the Lord- in and in deed…. and thought- and to be thankful. Not always easy.
Keep up the good works and know it is often leading by example….and we are not always aware of who may be watching.
Thanks for sharing and reminding me today! Blessings to you and your team.