just willing

In my Perspectives class, I read an article called Just Willing by a man named Casey Morgan. He writes about a two day seminar he and his wife attended in which God opened their eyes for the first time to His love for all nations and all peoples. He talked about how he and his wife discovered for the first time the biblical foundation for cross-cultural missions. God changed their perspective, and their lives were never the same because of it. They decided to sell their house in Texas and move to the “concrete jungle” of East Asia with their three small children.

He reflects on one day at the seminar when someone came up to him, looked him in the eye, and questioned:

“What part of your life reflects God’s desire to be known among every people group on the planet?”

He continues on:

“As far as we could tell, none.

There was no way we could ignore the new information. How could we walk away and continue on as we had been? We faced some major decisions. Our perspective on the world had changed. It was clear that the way we lived- even where we lived- was going to have to change, too.

...to be honest, the prospect of going somewhere halfway around the world was pretty scary. We tried to convince ourselves that because people right where we lived needed Jesus, maybe we ought to just stay put. Still, as we sifted through what God had brought to our attention, it became evident that the most impact we could have would be among those furthest removed from the gospel. So we decided to go. That’s when everyone thought we’d changed.

People around us would often say, “Wow, you guys have such a clear calling to serve overseas. I don’t think I could ever do that.” My wife and I didn’t know what to say. We felt like we were just like them. Why were we so different all of a sudden? Others would comment on how committed we must be. They applauded our self sacrifice and lifted us up as spiritual giants of sorts...

Recently, I’ve been able to put my finger on what separates us from the countless others back home. Willingness.

We never had a special calling to “go.” We’re not any more spiritual than you or the person sitting next to you in church. We’re just willing. That’s all.

If you’re content to stay without ever asking yourself, “what’s keeping me from going to the widest end of the gap?” you may end up wondering of the lack of risk was worth it. If it’s a missionary call you’re waiting for, here it is: Come, follow us.”

I loved this article because he put so many of my thoughts and feelings into words. I read it and thought, “Yes. This is it.” This thing- willingness, is simple and profound at the same time. I share with the author a knowledge that I don’t offer anything special or extraordinary. I believe that as He called his disciples, Jesus continues to call ordinary people. I am not extra holy, heroic, or any more put together than anyone else. In fact, I believe that He seeks to use me in the midst of all of my faults and weaknesses. I have a lot! Yet, when they are always before me, I remember that I can’t do any of this journey on my own. I am reminded every day.

I am just me. But God spoke of this love He has for the nations to me, too. I too have been left changed and made more aware. And I told God yes. I am willing.