God IS at work

This past weekend, I have had the privilege of participating in a local missions conference. I am always a little shocked to be reminded that I am a missionary. Yet when I hear the stories of missionaries that have traveled across the globe to un-reached villages or un-churched populations, two things stick out in my mind.

First, working in campus ministry IS missions. No, I don't make the same sorts of sacrifices as those who have moved to third world countries. I am blessed with running hot water, American grocery stores, and the use of the English language. I get to listen to sermons from podcasts through iTunes, and I get to have dance parties to Ke$ha and Miley Cyrus (whether with my girls, or alone with my roommate's cat). But the stories that I hear from those missionaries who HAVE traveled to Papua New Guinea, or Cote d'Ivoire...I can relate. Which is beautiful and bizarre all at the same time. Cultures are different, yes. But humans, down at their core, are the same. And sharing the gospel isn't "one size fits all" even in a particular family, but human fears and barriers to gospel, down at their root, are similar.

The second thing that was continuously impressed upon my mind this past weekend was this: God is indeed at work. And that itself is evidenced by the mere fact that I am typing this right now.

You see, what with various events this past weekend, it should have been one of the more difficult times to believe that very truth. Yet that specific phrase was repeated SO often that I simply couldn't ignore it. Let me show you.

Friday- "God is at work in Huntsvegas." -direct quote from a friend in an e-mail.

Saturday morning- "God is at work." -direct quote from at least three different missionaries.

Saturday evening- "God is at work." -direct quote from even more missionaries.

Sunday morning- "God is at work." -more direct quotes from more missionaries and pastors.

Not only did many people in my life say that specific phrase, but it was also evidenced by stories from the various missionaries I heard throughout the conference, it was evidenced by events in my own life, and it was evidenced by the stories I told when it was my turn to speak Saturday morning about my work with RUF. And thinking through those stories the night before, I was reminded of its truth.

I have seen unbelievable growth in the girls I've met at UAH. I've seen fruits of real heart change, fruits that God was not obligated to show me, but yet in His infinite grace and mercy, He did. I've seen growth in my own life; again, unnecessary for God to show me, but incredibly encouraging. And I've experienced true love and Christian community from my roommates and friends--another gift of grace!

As I continue to face difficult situations both in my own life and the lives of those around me, and more to the point, as I face my own incredible inadequacy for the work of missions, I have been encouraged by the reminder that God IS at work. He doesn't need me to accomplish His purpose, but He delights to use me anyways. I don't have the unselfishness, the wisdom, or the love of God and others to do ministry, but God delights to use me anyways.

What a beautiful and humbling thing! To know that despite our sin and failure, despite our attitudes, despite our circumstances, and despite persecution and every attempt of the Devil to thwart Him, God IS AT WORK!