Darrell
It didn’t seem like a great idea to take a hike after an exhausting day working with high schoolers on a mission trip in Alaska. But when we got to the glacier I was totally taken by surprise at its massive size and beauty! I breathed in the fresh air and saw the glacier glow a very distinct blue color. I scooped some of the ice and water up into a jar - and it glowed in the jar! I was blown away and so were the students!
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
I remember thinking: “Now this is what God called me to do!” To equip his people to be disciples who love and follow Jesus! It was time to preach and I got up on the platform. Looking at the crowd, I had a moment of trepidation. Then I prayed. The message came alive! I was excited. There was humor. There were illustrations. There was interaction with the people. I felt good about it. The Lord even threw in some things I didn’t write down. I felt so excited and energized!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I felt a pop in my knee playing basketball. After two surgeries, I found myself bedridden and frustrated. God made it clear he wanted me to stop and focus on rest, recovery, and revelation. As my body healed, God helped my soul recover too. He showed me my relationship with him was more important than the deeds I did for him. God used the baptism of Jesus to teach me that he loved his Son and was pleased with him before he started his ministry. This gift of new perspective turned my attitude and heart around.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
If you asked me how I would have responded to being unjustly locked up for 27 years, I would have been so angry and dejected. I don’t think I could have come out with love and forgiveness in my heart. But that’s exactly what Nelson Mandela did. He is a model of grace, mercy, and full pardon. We saw a bigger purpose for his life. He literally turned the other cheek. He blessed those who cursed him. He lived it. I know it couldn’t have been easy, but that truly inspires me!
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”