Some time has passed since Becca and I have returned from Korea. I’ve wanted to put some thoughts down and share some reflections.
Preparing to go was quite the ordeal. Becca and I knew we were called to go, and we both confirmed the other’s leading by the Spirit, which was incredible. But we left behind so much: close family on both sides, jobs that we enjoyed, and a fellowship that was closer than family in some respects.
Nothing makes you more free than selling, giving away, or saying goodbye to your stuff. It is difficult to express the joy of less crap. Jesus taught that to have reward/treasure in heaven, we are to give our possessions to the poor and follow Him. He was not a minimalist. Although the scripture does not specifically record it, I do believe that He spoke from experience here. He left His home and had no place to lay His head. His hometown rejected Him. We have little record of any worldly possessions. His constant traveling would have made accumulating material goods rather difficult.
But He was anointed with joy beyond all. Christ taught massive giving because He knew the joy it would give the giver and wanted to share it.
Be careful with the modern American excuse of willingness. “I’m willing to give my stuff away if God wants me to” can be deceptive. Willingness and actually doing it are two different experiences. Becca and I know firsthand. I believe the Bible teaches reward for what we do, not for what we’re willing to do.
There is sacrifice in giving, but the reward so outweighs the sacrifice that the deal is too good to pass up, although many do anyway. I think most missionaries have experienced this, and we were no exception.
God’s call and revelation were clear, and this helped us to move forward in bold and courageous faith. Excitement and anxiety were constants. I had never been overseas before, even to visit, and God called me to live in Korea for at least two years.
Our reliance upon Him was absolute as we realized our own inadequacy. The blessing in this cannot be overstated.
The leaving taught us so much about following the Spirit, trusting and relying more on Him than we ever had before. This alone would have been enough, but God had much more to teach us.
Peace.
I learned the meaning of “hanging on loosely to tyhe things of this world” when I realized my apartment had been broken into several times. Nothing was ever missing, which made me chuckle at the thief finding nothing of value after all his efforts.
I thought about it, and even if a Fender guitar meant something in Korea or my mp3 discman could bring up a good price, I really could live without them. It’s a feeling of freedom to need nothing more than Christ. Finding sufficiency in Him gives true joy and freedom.
All that to say, it was a total blessing to hear someone else say the same.