Relativity…What is a year?
I feel like a whole year has gone by since I came back from the race, even though only about 8-9 months have gone by. A lot of life has happened in that time, a lot. Now I find myself in a literal new year and new community. I miss a lot of aspects of last “year,” but I know that this is where I’m supposed to be, way out of the boat on the water with Jesus by faith. Last “year” was a gift, and I’m still processing through it, but I’m not camping there. I’m building and impacting my community here at CGA; diving into it head first. I’m all in because of Jesus’ call on my life to die to myself daily, take up my cross, and follow Him.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25
I think it’s interesting that He calls us to take up our cross and not His to follow Him. It’s almost like, ‘Paul, those things that you feel are important, yeah, forget those and walk with me, share in My sufferings.’ All throughout the New Testament the theme of Suffering can be seen. But do I see that in my own life? Do I suffer for Jesus and His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? Because His thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways, so an element of suffering should exist. And I feel it really does in my own life. I’ve left family and friends, a great community, and a well paying job to go after a dream He has given me. I’m literally seeking first His Kingdom coming to earth through me; for Him to use me. And this is His promise when we do that:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [talking about the things we need as people, not want] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
It’s true, tomorrow does have enough worry of its own. One thing that is heavy on me is the aspect of fundraising. In fundraising for the World Race the Lord told me not to use any of my own money because He wanted to show me that He is my provider. So I trusted Him in that, and in roughly 69 days the Lord put $14,000 into my account!…Now I find myself fundraising for this CGA program, where it’s not as glamorous as traveling the world and holding orphans, but it is no less valuable in molding my walk with the Lord.
Fun facts about CGA: 1) Community is amazing. 2) I get to strategically help the Long Term Missions department set up bases all over the world, creating a wide and long reaching impact for Christ. 3) I get to be trained and equipped to operate in my full potential as a man of God because I’m being discipled by phenomenal people. This program is transforming me more and more into the image of Christ and I can’t wait to look back at the end of it to where I was and where I am (future), there will be so much growth and change!
If you’ve made it this far in my blog I urge you to ask Holy Spirit if you are to partner with me in this CGA season financially. God put $14,000 into my account in 69 days and I know He can put $1,900 into my account in 18 days. That’s right, my deadline is on leap day! Woop woop! So, help me leap for Joy on that day. Any amount is super helpful, both financially and emotionally for me. Please help me share the need by sharing this blog with people on your social media.
Thanks!
Love,
-Paul
