Rachel Hampton

Time with God November 15, 2009

There is one really great thing about having lots of free time here in Malaysia during my second land team phase. The amount of time I’ve been able to spend with God. I’ve downloaded sermons from Ergun Caner and Ted Cunningham (my amazing pastor from my church in Arkansas) which were really great. I’ve been reading “What’s so amazing about grace” by Philip Yancey (thanks Doulos library!) which has taught me a lot already. And of course I’ve been able to read the best book…God’s Word. I wanted to share something that God taught me last week that is still floating around in my brain. It’s amazing how personal He is! If you’ve got your Bibles, turn with me to Acts 20:22-24 .

“And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.”

I felt God really showing me the parallel between Paul’s missionary journey and mine. I am in no way comparing myself to Paul. I’m not stupid enough to make that mistake…but God knows how influential this man has been in my life and was showing me how we have some things in common. He’s not just a character in a book, he’s real and his life lessons are applicable to me. Like Paul, I am traveling from city to city on the Doulos. I may not face jail but there is suffering involved. Not to the extent of Paul, but suffering nonetheless. Like missing family, losing my grandfather, encountering loneliness or discouragement. All kinds of things. But I knew this would happen. God says in His Word that we would face trials and be persecuted in one way or another because of our faith in Him. BUT, that means we get to share in his suffering! I’m not worthy but what an honor!! And regardless of what suffering I face, I know God has called me to serve here and, in a few months, the Philippines. So why complain about these sufferings? Like the verse says, what is my life worth unless I am telling people about God’s love? It is the work God has assigned me, just like he assigned Paul…and all of us. There are still so many people in the world who don’t know the amazing love of God. It breaks my heart to think about it. What a huge assignment I have. What does a little suffering matter in the grand scheme of things? It’s not about our comfort now that we know him. We should be rescuing people from the same fate we were once destined to face. It was a great reminder for me. And of course you’re a missionary too. Maybe not overseas being tossed around on a big ship, but God has still given you this same assignment. Don’t take it for granted!