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.
