Worship

Scripture

When I moved to the United States to become a full-time ministry student I knew that things would change and be complicated. What I was not expecting was that I would lament so much about what I had lost. I didn’t necessarily want to move, but I knew that God was calling me to. I was previously established at a church where I was in a ministry that I loved deeply. My family and friends were far away. I had to build a life from scratch now that everything else was gone. I started missing my language and people’s demeanor. I even missed the mountains and diversity that I once took for granted when I lived in Costa Rica. Slowly, I started to build my life in this new country. I started building relationships and making friends. I started getting involved in the life of the campus of which I was a part. The previous glories were now shadows of the new opportunities. 

In Ezekiel 27 we see a prophecy that points to the mourning of the great city of Tyre. This was one of the strongest at the time and the passage explains this. Ezekiel goes into a song of lament remembering all of the previous glories one by one and those who will lament over the destruction. Lots of people are going to lament the loss of this great city, but not the people of God. They have a God who is greater than this city. Judah and Israel do not participate in the mourning for it is actually an opportunity for them to grow out of their oppression.

When someone dies, when we transition out of a position, or when we move from one country to another, we lament over what we have lost. Losing someone or something can be painful but it also creates new opportunities for us to grow. We can stay stuck in the mourning and the suffering and it would be justified, but it would not be beneficial. In due time we need to make space for God to move in our pain and our suffering. God is creating an opportunity for us to grow closer to Him every day. That is what we should focus on today.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Consider it a privilege that we get to be ambassadors for the Lord. The way that we carry ourselves and communicate should be a reflection of who God is. Thank him for bestowing that honor on you 

ASK GOD

Ephesians 6:18-20

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ask God with perseverance. Knowing that when you knock on the door he listens. 

SUBMIT TO GOD

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The process of our minds being renewed is one of submission to God. Often we believe we know what is best for us, but let God’s word and His Spirit lead you to a place of transformation. 

CLOSING PRAYER

God, as I surrender to You fully. I don’t want anything to hold me back from the fruit You have available to me. Today I offer each and every area of my life to You, even the ones I’ve held onto in the past. Your ways are higher than mine and I can trust You with everything.  In Jesus Name, Amen.