Called...

Let me give you a bit of background info before you read this. In the passage a demon possessed man comes to Jesus and asks him to heal him, this is what happens next:

Luke 8:32-39
"32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him."

Now when you read this passage you can't help but laugh at the image of demon possessed pigs drowning, I mean really?

Anyway- this was the passage that my dad preached out of this morning. In the end of the passage it says that the man from whom the demons had gone out comes to Jesus and begs to let him come with him. But Jesus replies, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." Then the man does what Jesus commanded him to do, with no hesitation or questioning, he just goes.

One thing my dad pointed out is that the demon possessed man doesn't hesitate to ask Jesus to heal him, he doesn't care what Jesus does to him, he just wants to be healed. Now- how can this apply to our lives?

We have to ask Him to do what he wants with our lives, not caring what He does, because we know that whatever He does is for the good. But are we afraid of asking this? Are we afraid of giving up certain things because of our comfort? Are we afraid of letting go of our culture and move to another country? Are we hesitant in doing what God wants us to do in our lives?

Are we afraid of following God's calling for our life, and giving up everything for him?

Am I afraid of the thought that one day when I get older I am probably going to leave everything here, that I am used to and that I love, to love small children and change their lives by showing them the love of Christ in Rwanda? Why yes- sometimes the thought makes me scared or worried, but still I know that God is calling me to do this, even at the young age of 13, I know that God is calling me not to be here- but somewhere else- shining for him.

We have to give up everything, be fearless, and trust in God and his calling for our lives.

~Bailey

P.S. Mom and Dad, I hope you are ok with me moving to a different country later in life. Cause I probably will. Just sayin'.