Durng my nightly devotion I came across the verse above. It didn't strike me as something special or meaningful in my life. Let's be real, I would have missed the relevance of this verse if it wasn't for the Life Application side of my parallel study Bible. This is what it had to say about the verse:
"This proverb refers to preparing for battle. All our preparation for any task is useless without God. But even with God's help we still must do our part and prepare. His control of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities. God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write. God may want you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language. God will accomplish his purposes, and He will be able to use you if you have done your part by being well prepared."
Wow. I would joke with the other SMs saying, "I learned a little French before coming here, but now I stopped learning." It is a sad, but true statement. When I got here I knew more French then any other SM. Now, we are all on the same level. I have almost moved backwards because I never use my French.
The reason I don't use French is not due to lack of exposure. I am in and out of the hospital everyday, I play with my host family and the Bere boys, I try to do all that I can with the community. I haven't learned French because I am scared. I may know enough words to get my point across, but they never leave my lips. I make motions as I try to say the words, however, they understand the motions before the words come out.
I stopped studying and learning although I really want to have conversations with everyone. I would blame this person and that person for the lack. The lack of work, the lack of exposure, the lack of anything and everything. I'm not saying I was complaining the whole time, but I have been really frustrated. I like to stay busy and feel useful, but everything in Tchad relies on someone else.
This verse threw the blame back into my face. In all reality, I would have more work if I learned the system enough to start something on my own. Nobody is stopping me. I would have more exposure if I knew the language enough to speak with the patients. I would be able to do more and be more for Christ. I know God has brought me here for a reason. However, I am suppressing His blessings and miracles by not preparing myself. Instead of blaming I need to be training. Learn from my mistakes. Be proactive. Take the initiative. Do what it takes to be prepare for God's work and He will bring you to new heights.
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To all my readers: I love your comments and feedback. I receive the comments as email, but I can't reply to them because of the internet. If you want a reply or conversation you are welcome to email me. (shannicebaker@gmail.com). If you don't care I love the comments too.
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