Abiding instead of Anxiety

In 3 days we are headed across the world.  As one of the 3 team members that has never been to Cambodia I can honestly say there is a bit of anxiety going in my world.   Everything is so different in preparing for this trip both as a team & individually.   

My small group is wrapping up "Grace Walk" by Steve McVey tonight.  In finishing up this book there are two things that God laid on my heart.. in the very last chapter... 

"For the anxious Christian it is often easier to do something for God than to wait for God to do something through us.  A life of grace is characterized by a calm confidence in a sovereign God whose love and wisdom always causes Him to do what He wants when He wants to do it.  Inestimable damage may be done when we consciously or unconsciously try to move things forward because God isn't moving fast enough for us." p173

"When we struggle to live the Christian life, we stop the flow of Christ's life and begin to live after the resources of our own flesh.  As we abide in Him, we rest and work at the same time!  We rest inwardly while He works outwardly through us.   This is God's designed method of Christian service.  Anything else is empty religious ritual, regardless of how successful or spiritual it may appear." p174

I love God's timing for things!!!  He knew before we even started this study in group back in April that I would need to hear these two things today - 3 days before we leave on an adventure He has called us to be part of with Him. 

My group has been focusing on the word "abide".   Here's a quick definition of it.

 Accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation)

(of a feeling or a memory) Continue without fading or being lost

Live; dwell

I don't know where this lands with everyone reading this blog.  I know there can be stigmas attached to "Christian Service".  Expectations of what these trips should be like, what we should be doing, what are the tangible measurable outcomes, how is the money being used,  are we really making an impact and making lives "better"?  And who in the world are we - a team of 7 in thinking we are the "perfect people" to be going out & doing this...

I can honestly say that we are 7 imperfect people with different stories, expectations, personalities, fears, hopes & desires.  But we all have a relationship with our Heavenly Father and a desire to know Him more & seek His will and direction for our lives  every day.  We are the 7 people God has decided to send on a plane to spend 10 days with His children in Bantey Meanchey Cambodia.  Our heart's desire & prayer above all is to be available to let Him work through us and in us however that looks to Him.  We want to wait on Him to move and abide in Him.  This is His trip - we are honored to be part of it.

Thanks for being a part of this trip as well...   Your prayers are coveted by our team more than you know!!! 

John 15:4-10

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.   By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.   As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love."