I’ve been thinking a lot lately about being challenged. The past couple of weeks as God has stirred various things on my heart, I have had several opportunities to challenge others to pursue God in a greater way. Whenever I finish those conversations, I find myself challenged – challenged to live what I’m speaking.
At the same time, I recognize that I need to always have people in my life that will challenge me to go to the next level in my relationship with Christ. I need to be challenged. One prayer I’m praying for this trip is simple: “Lord, challenge me.” I want to be stretched. I want to lean on Him.
My Heavenly Father knows that many of the stereotypical “worker challenges” – foreign food, primitive living conditions, new cultures, even traveling alone – are just a thrilling part of the adventure for me. I feel little “sacrifice” with any of these “challenges.” This trip, I’m asking Him to challenge me beyond those things. I’m not sure what that means, and it makes me a little nervous, but I trust that amidst His stretching there is always both grace and growing. I’m excited!