If God called, would you hear him? If he asked you to do something radical, would you do it?
Two years ago, I wrote a book called "Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life." Since then, God has challenged me to listen to my life, for the purpose of knowing him better. I'm always inspired when I hear about other people who are listening to God, and following his calling.
I received an e-mail this week from Esther Hall, an acquaintance from Willow Creek. I say acquaintance because I know who she is, we have mutual friends, we've bumped into each other via various ministries at Willow over the last two decades. Although I don't know her very well, I've always admired her.
Esther has been serving God through a ministry called PathFinders International for many years. But now, God is calling her to do something radical. she's getting ready to move to Africa!
You can read more about it on her blog, which is at http://www.hadassahscall.blogspot.com/
She has moved out of her apartment, is getting rid of her stuff, and getting ready to go. She's had to simplify her life (another of my favorite themes), paring her stuff down enough that it will fit in a few suitcases. That in itself is a spiritual exercise--to let go of our stuff so that we are free to follow God.
God may not call you to go to Africa, but I do think he calls each of us to serve him somewhere--in our neighborhood, our church, our workplace. And he calls us to live simply.
I know just walking through Target yesterday, I was so tempted by all the holiday stuff. I don't need any of it. In fact, I think accumulating stuff will only weigh me down, keep me from hearing God. And I think God has been saying, rather than wasting money buying more holiday junk, what if you were to use those resources to support Esther? Or feed people who are hungry and live right in my neighborhood? I hope that you'll join me on the adventure of giving this holiday season. If you'd like to contribute to her support, you learn more about that on her blog, or send it to PathFinders International 60-B W. Terra Cotta Dr #205 Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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2 comments:
Thank you Keri for your post. I am trying to uncluter my life and it is so hard. I am like you when going through a store and seeing all the Christmas stuff and relized I do not need anything. Good luck to your friend that is going to Africa.
Wow, that is pretty amazing. Yesterday I did some major decluttering (and I'm not really that much of a clutterbug but good to get rid of wedding gifts we've never used, extra towels etc.) and it was just a reminder to me how much we actually need to live. Perhaps the less we have, the more we truly live?
Just cracked open Oxygen, finished the intro and as soon as I finish Ephesians, am jumping into this. I like the approach; I've been blessed learning to slow down and just dwell in passages of Scripture. I think all I've read this year is Mark, I John and Ephesians but I'm so much more motivated to spend time in the Word this way.
take care.
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