A Piece of My Heart

Most of you know that I was recently fortunate enough to spend some time overseas.  After a wonderful time on my trip, I prepared to return home, packing my suitcase and double checking that everything was secured for the journey.  After a long day of flying, I made it safely back with my suitcase ("Big Bertha") and all of my carry-on items (my hand-painted tea set even made it without breaking!).
 
However, as it turns out, not everything made it home with me.  It seems that I actually left something important behind... a piece of my heart.  

After spending time exploring the beautiful cities and countrysides, learning some of the language, sampling the delicious foods, drinking tea, shopping in the colorful bazaars, making sweet new friends, and meeting so many hospitable people, it's hard to not miss everything about the country.

But, despite the beauty and rich culture, a cloud of darkness hovers over the land as so, so many people have yet to acknowledge Christ as Savior.  The dominant religion is based on dutiful works and diligent deeds and it permeates every bit of society.  All around, the snowy mountains, azure seas, and lush trees cry out for the glory of God, but the people seek a false religion that has hardened their hearts to  salvation found only in Jesus.  Their lostness isn't any different or worse than our own lostness, but the vast scale of the collective rejection of the cross creates a palpable heaviness in the air.  

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."  - Titus 2:11-14

When I was overseas, God gave me these verses in Titus as comfort for my burdened heart and confirmation that he desires to call each and every person his child - no matter the darkness or lostness of the country.  The barriers seem gigantic to us, but our God is bigger than any obstacle.  His loving passion can break through even the darkest night to bring light to the lost.  I am so thankful for those who are bravely taking His love to the nations.  A revolution is rising up; there is so much hope and joy waiting to burst forth.  I anxiously await and celebrate that coming day!

His love is deep, His love is wide and it covers us

His love is fierce, His love is strong, it is furious

His love is sweet, His love is wild

And it's waking hearts to life.

"Furious" by Jeremy Riddle

So, for now a piece of my heart remains overseas with those beautiful people, and I pray earnestly for the furious love of God to break loose in their hearts.