today part of my reading was romans 1. sidenote: the hard thing about the journal aspect of the S.O.A.P. method is that you are to journal about just one verse! but alas, this isn't my journal...it's my blog so i can write about as much as i feel like, so there. period. :)
okay, i'm back on track. when i saw that i was starting romans today i got pretty excited because our fall message series and small group semester is going to be all about romans! as i read this morning i began to feel overwhelmed with the number of verses that were speaking to me. pick one. yeah right! well, i obeyed the rules so here it is, romans 1:3:
"one of the things i always pray for is the opportunity, god willing, to come at last to see you."
that spoke so loudly to my heart. i can relate to paul's desire to go back to the people that he loved. he wanted to see them, encourage them in their faith and be encouraged by them. and while that longing was on his heart, he knew that his return would come when god allowed it (god willing). he faced obstacles until the day that great door was opened. i had to giggle a little bit when reading it - not because it's funny, just because there is a sense of giddiness in paul's letter. could that be? the great apostle paul, giddy?? i'd like to think so! i think with great longing and passion comes a natural giddiness. that awesome, overwhelming feeling of anticipation knowing that once that door swings open and and we're invited to walk on through, great things are going to happen!
so how does that longing speak to my heart? one word...AFRICA. there is something inside of me that beats for africa. maybe it's because i have been - i have a connetion with the people and a longing to see them again. i want to encourage them in their faith and be encouraged by them. maybe the lord will open the doors for me to return someday. on the hand, maybe he's beginning to stir a new passion in me. maybe my longing and passion will belong to NICARAGUA. wow! either way (or another way all together), i am in giddy anticipation for great things - GOD-sized things. and even beyond that, i am grateful that he would use me in any way to be a part of what he is doing. gosh, he AMAZES me...speechless...
a simple "thank you" to him seems compelety inadequate, yet i humbly offer my thanks by surrendering to him - whatever doors he opens, passions he stirs, and longings he fulfills! here i am lord, send me!
1 comment:
Heather I can't wait for our Soap group, I think I understand the concept better now after reading your post. Thanks for your leadership and willingness to lead our group.
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