Another Perspective: From/For

From my experiences and observations, a frequent question of college students or others in life transitions is, "What do you want from me, God?"

The other day, someone was telling a story and when he asked this question he instead asked, "What do you want for me?"  At first it caught me off guard as a strange way to phrase the question, but I think it is much more accurate to what is actually going on.

God doesn't need anything from us.  He's not sitting around waiting for someone to step up because otherwise there is no way He can get the job done.  Rather He wants us to step up because He sees the benefits for us if we do.  God wants for us to get involved knowing that we will be changed and benefit from a closer relationship with Him.  His desire is for us, not to gain something from us. Sometimes our gain requires giving, but God is still asking out of motivation for us.  Throughout the Bible when we see God asking people for things, ultimately it's because He wants for them to be in right relationship with Him.  God could have freed the Israelites without Moses' help, yet He knew what an amazing opportunity for Moses it was, etc.

Another thing I love about this phrasing is that it shifts the focus off of what I'm doing and more appropriately to what God is doing.

What does God want for you?

Round 2

Hello everyone, as most of you probably know, in just a few days I will be heading back to the Dominican Republic.  Once again I hope to keep you all included in what I'm up to through this blog.

Just a heads up on what I'll be doing this time around:
I will be working with the same organization as before, Students International (SI), as an intern.  SI hosts groups (largely of high school and college aged kids) that come to the DR on missions trips.  These groups serve at the various ministry sites that SI runs.  So during the day I will be at a school for special needs kids.  I will get to work with both the Dominican children and the American students.

In the mornings, before heading out to the ministry sites, I (along with my fellow interns) will run/organize a time of worship.  In the evenings, I will spend time with the American students and organize activities that range from playing games to a night on the town.

I could not be more excited to be returning to the DR and in this particular capacity.  This job fits very well with my interests and passions, combining my loves  of youth ministry and bridging cultures.  Plus I get to see people again that I have missed for several months while here in the States!

Just as before, I would greatly appreciate your prayers during this time, and I would love to be praying for you as well!

- Praise God for the amazing opportunity He has given me to return and for His faithfulness in helping me raise the support I needed.
- Please pray that the gospel may be proclaimed this summer, in spite of me.  May my words and actions all point towards God.

I love you all!  You have been such a wonderful support to me over the years and you give me much strength.  Thank you for all of your prayers, for journeying with me, for being part of my life.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen."  - Ephesians 3:20-21

Journal Entry from March 9, 2009

This is while I was on a cruiseship with my parents, my first time to the DR.  I totally forgot about this until today when I was re-reading through some old journals.

"From here the Dominican Republic looks really pretty.  I wish I could really visit the country as opposed to the rich tourist spots.  I'd love to get to know the people a little more - but I guess that's hard to do in a day anyway."

I guess I got my wish :)