Looking Back, Looking Forward

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Epheisans 5:15-16

I've been reading some selective biographies from the classic mission text From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya in recent days. These include stories of such trailblazing individuals as William Carey, Amy Carmichael, J. Hudson Taylor, and Lottie Moon. Though none of them were perfect, all of these individuals lived lives that made a difference. A number of their contemporaries thought they were crazy (or at least misguided) to leave the cozy existence they could have enjoyed in the West. To add to that, fellow missionaries often caused these folks further difficulty and disappointment. Further, some of these pioneer missionaries even lost spouses and children to a variety of ailments during their earthly pilgrimages. In spite of such challenges, all kept their focus on the One who had called them.

As I read these stories, I'm reminded that my life should also be a consequential one. Each day is a gift from God, and woe to me if I should waste one hour! I'm getting to know new students in my classes this semester, and please pray I'll glorify my King through those relationships. Also, I'd especially appreciate your prayers for the Christianity Explored study that I'm leading on Thursday nights. Most who have been in my group the past two weeks are already believers. However, a number of them need more solid grounding in God's Word. Please pray I'll be a useful instrument in the hands of my Maker.

Finally, I've been spending a lot of time in prayer in recent weeks. Some of my questions to God include "How long do you want us to stay here?" "Could we make a bigger impact somewhere else?" "Is Korea the best place for us to fulfill the callings and giftings you've placed on our lives?" Finding the answers to those and other questions will likely take some time, but we trust our Good Shepherd to always leads us down the best road.