When I first showed up in Honduras, I was super excited for what was to come. I went in with the expectation that we were going to be sleeping on a concrete floor and have a little hut for a bathroom, which I would have been totally fine with. That was not the case, we pulled up to a beautiful casa with beds and a bathroom. With that being said, I am sure that God made where I slept comfortable, because everything else was about to get real uncomfy.
I have been on the mission field for about six years on and off. I have loved every moment of it and it has stretched me in some beautiful ways. Most of them were physical things, like learning new cities or learning a prayer tour. I went onto the WR field with the same expectation.
My natural inclination is always to serve (I am true Martha at heart) I want to do all the things for everyone and I can run, run, run all the way until I am empty, and even then I will continue to run. However, God intentionally made me slow down and walk with Him. He began to make a Mary out of me and since last week, I have been broken to be morphed into a pure and true worshipper.
Right now, I am doing a daily devotional with Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth called “A Place of Quiet Rest.” In the chapter titled “ The inner Life,” she breaks down Psalm 23:2. She talks about how the sheep don’t get fed, refreshed, and restored because they are on the run, but they have to slow down or even stop to be filled. That is where I am with the Lord. He is making me slow down and lie down and depend only on Him.
One day I was sitting in church, the pastor had just finished preaching. I did not understand much because it was all in Spanish, but I could feel the presence of the Lord and at the end as he began to pray, I broke down crying. I realized that I had no family around me, I was in a total different country, I feel a lone and kind of out of place, and I do not quite know what I am doing. I had come to the realization that the only thing that I can do is depend on the Lord and trust that He will see me through.
I want to receive my full inheritance with the Lord. Starting this year, I refuse to generalize my faith, but I want to unlock the gift that God has called me to. I can’t know that if I am running and riddled with busyness. I want to walk, talk, pray, react slowly so I can hear my Father’s voice.
How about you? Are you eager to hear the Father’s voice? He wants to talk to us and mold us into a beautiful creation that has been designed for a far greater purpose. (Psalm 84:11) I encourage you that in your hurry, you slow down to hear the voice of God.
Be Blessed!
Song Suggestion: “Not in a Hurry” by: Will Reagan
Ericka this amazing!! I am praying for you and believing in the renewal that God is doing in you, through you, and for you!! I have definitely been in this rush mentality, but what I really need to do is stop and talk to God to see where He wants me to go! You are amazing and I can’t wait to hear more about your experience! Love you always ??
Oops those “??” Are supposed to be hearts lol
Hey Ericka,
I am so excited going through this journey with you, I love the blogs. At the same time, I am so broken because I know I am a Martha. I know I should have a desire to be a Mary but I always think there is so much to be done and I need to do it. Please in your daily prayers pray for me that I too can become like Mary, quietly listening and waiting on God’s instructions. I’m sure that will make the difference!
I love you very much,
Mom
Hello, Sweet Ericka! It is so good to hear from you! I love what the Lord is doing in your heart….you sweet Martha. I know that you are such a giver, such a servant, the Lord has created you this way, but how powerful to find the other part of you that can sit at the feet of Jesus and take in His every Word. Enjoy this TIME with Him…..He has so much that He wants to tell you. You are never alone with HIM! We love you and are praying for you always.
You are speaking to my inner Martha and on one of my busiest work days. But I am settling down now to have some time with the Lord. I’m reading one of Louie Giglio’s books and he talks about how our Shepherd MAKES us lie down in green pastures. You’d think we’d want to on our own, but like the not very smart sheep, we need to be led to what is good and even enjoyable for us. May we both have more time at the feet of Jesus. And Praises! I see you’re almost fully funded!!!
Can definitely relate to the Martha syndrome. But it’s amazing to see the increased effectiveness and joy we get to walk in when shift over to being at His feet more and not being in such a hurry.
I love u
I hope that u r having fun wherever u r and i miss dont do anything too dangerous