(Originally posted on January 9, 2016.)
In the book of Luke, chapter 9, verses 57-62, we find a short passage in which Christ was talking about the cost of following Jesus. The culmination of this passage is found in verse 62. Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of Heaven." Back in the day of Jesus - the implication here would have been very clear for the hearers. If you are a farmer who is plowing up a row to plant seed and bring in a harvest, you must not be looking behind you, to ensure the rows you plow are straight and good for planting.
The same is true for those who follow Christ. If I am looking behind me at what I am walking away from, then there is no way that I can be effective in the task that lies before me.
In light of this truth, there are many things that I have had to rid myself of or strip away and leave behind so that I can come to Costa Rica and ultimately move to the DR. It has not been easy -- sometimes it has been downright painful. Surrendering my independance - my own apartment...my own car...etc...was difficult. If I am honest with you, there were tears with every key taken off my key ring and turned over to the new owner.
Perhaps leaving all the familiar relationships as I knew them was the hardest surrender. Most of the tears I've cried - most of the heartbreak was in saying goodbye. The Sunday before I left was an incredibly emotional day. As I stood on the platform at Pursuit Church of Meridian, taking my place in the worship team for the last time, my heart was full and hurting at the same time. To try to explain what was taking place in my mind and heart is nearly impossible. The Lord came near during the music portion of our worship service last Sunday. As I fought tears, the Holy Spirit put an image in my mind. You see, to that point, I'd been putting things off and cutting things away - to leave behind and not to look back at them. But saying goodbye to my church family is completely different. You see - no matter where we are - as soldiers for Christ, His followers, God's children - we have put our hands to the plow. I will not look back. But when I look to my right, there you are. Those who follow after our Lord. When I turn and look to my left, there are the others of you. The ones I couldn't bear leaving - here we are. Hands to the plow. Pressing on. Together. The miles don't separate united spirits that press on to the common goal of honoring our Savior until that Glorious Day He appears in the sky to call us up together with Him.
This was taken last Sunday morning as our church prayed over me and sent me out to language school. This is now one of the most precious images I have. This is a visual representation of the prayers that hold me up and help give me power to press on. There are so many stories and miracles in the lives of those in this image. When I am discouraged, overwhelemed, or homesick - I will be able to return to this image and remember the incredible things that our God has done and what He will continue to do - in each of you - and in the lives that He will give me the priviledge of impacting in the Dominican Republic. Then I will get up and press on.
He is forever worthy. Ten thousand years and then forevermore!
