Well, yes was my answer when God called me to Guatemala on a short term mission trip… and then the challenges came up, and the real story starts.
Leading up to this trip I had done a devotional on “Dangerous Prayers” by Craig Groschel about how we need to stop playing it safe in our prayer life and start praying like it really matters. I did exactly that: prayed very dangerously for the outcome and duration of this mission, and that God would truly challenge me. One of the ways He called and challenged me was to be vulnerable and not simply just talk more (and anyone who really knows me, knows that this can be a BIG challenge). So I have decided to share some of my challenges with you.
As far as physical challenges go, the only one I had was not to pee my pants when I was in the airport, but internal challenges were very present. The Lord challenged me pretty directly with the areas I would say are probably the most difficult to let go of: Comparison and jealousy, the refusal to reconcile, pride and insecurity, being vulnerable, and my identity in Christ.
I had an amazing week with God, and with my team, but there is a lot of wrestling that went on beneath the surface, and even though it was uncomfortable on the inside I feel convicted to ask everyone else the same question that Groschel asks in his devotional “Dangerous Prayers”:
“‘Are you ready for more?'”
I begged God to reveal to me my own ways, to challenge me, to give me assurance, etc., and he was faithful. Are you ready to do the same? To risk the comfort and “safety” of our lives to go forth and ask God not just what he wants to do for us but also what he desires to work IN us. Are you ready? Because although I would’ve considered myself ready, I had no idea what God had in store, and the week was so much more fruitful than it would have been if I had prayed safely for comfort like I often do without realizing it.
Where is God wanting to grow your faith? Just maybe He is calling you to go, calling you to knock down the wall that’s blocking your sight of Him, but I promise you one thing: Pray dangerously in the name of Jesus, and God will answer your prayer, your faith will grow, and your life will change. So I dare you,
Pray dangerously; Take that leap of faith.
It’s awesome to hear you had a great expeirnce. Dangerous prayers are not for the faint at heart. When God answers them He takes us deeper in our relationship with Him. May the journey continue!
So proud of you!
Don’t stop sharing your heart with people! It’s a beautiful transformation God is already bringing you through I’m excited to see the growth you go through on the race too!