I want to start today's post with some honesty. You probably know by now that my work, Bank2, is behind this trip for Brock and I and sponsoring the whole thing. The bank asked for volunteers months ago and only selected two. I was one of the two. Although I'm completely humbled by being chosen and grateful beyond imagination for this opportunity, I have naturally struggled with a little bit of, "Why me when there are so many great people that volunteered? Why me when I too often show my love of sin and self more than my love of God? Why me when I am beat up, scarred, and just a 'ragamuffin'? Why me when I'm just a normal guy?" Then, while reading some material this morning I came across this quote by Adrian Rogers. "Indeed, your scars may be your greatest ministry. Just as the scars of Jesus convinced Thomas, perhaps your scars will convince someone today." Wow. There's not much else I can say except for, "okay."
I also saw this picture in a post on an author's Facebook page this morning. It reminds me that God sends people to others. Sometimes we may never fully understand the complexities of the purpose for which we are sent but it is always by God's design. I know the main, immediate purpose is to assist Water4 and represent all of my co-workers from Bank2, who are overwhelmingly supportive and gracious. What if an additional purpose is to share my scars with others there? Or, better yet...what if it is so that the people of Uganda can share their scars with me??? Afterall, much like Thomas, I tend to show my doubt in God all of the time by placing my trust in myself, in material possessions, and in all of the superfluities of my life. Either way, God is good and is a sending God. The Gospel of grace works, even in ragamuffins like you and I.
-The author who posted this picture is Nik Ripken. He wrote among others, "The Insanity of God", which was recommended to me by my friend Jason, and which I'll be reading while on the trip.-
No comments:
Post a Comment