One Year Ago...

by Bethany Lashbrook

This Week’s Verse: 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."(NIV)

Devotion:
I have a thing with numbers. I can remember the exact time I woke up this morning. I can remember dates incredibly well. A lot of times, I can think about what I will be doing six months from now or remember exactly what I was doing exactly a year ago. For example, one year ago today I was just returning from Piedras Negras, Mexico, with my daughter Savannah.

It was our first mission trip.

I saw things on this mission trip that I had never seen before. I saw how poor someone could be financially yet how rich he or she can be in God’s love. I saw men and women sacrificing their lives, their careers, and their closeness to family, to spread God’s word in Mexico.

And, it was here that for the first time in a long time, I was given daily quiet time to walk with my Lord. It’s not very often that I am handed 20 minutes of “down” time just to read scripture. Then, given six hours of time to work for the Lord. THEN brought back with other believers to talk about scripture. It was there that I lived for God, worked for God, showed others God and thanked God 24/7.

I wish I could say I do this every day now, but I would only be lying. Yes, I live for God, work for God, and show others God, but not 24/7. In this world of mine its really easy to get caught up in this lavish lifestyle that I live. I have a car, food, and a house with air-conditioning. I have two children who are schooled, have more than one pair of name-brand tennies, and who have no idea what poor is. I am so BUSY that some days I find it hard to give myself 20 minutes of quiet time… Doesn’t something need done?

I yearn for those days on the mission trip in Piedras Niegras. Yes, it was hot. Yes, we worked a lot and sweat a lot. But, it was here that God spoke to me and I wasn’t too busy to listen.

All week, Savannah and I have been remembering day by day what we were doing a year ago. It has been fun reminiscing and smiling about it. The Lord did amazing things there – which are still shining through us today.

Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity Savannah and I had to serve you. Thank you for the friendships we made on this trip. Thank you for all those things we saw, heard, and became aware of. Thank you for working in and through us. What an awesome God you are! Bless each one reading this with her own special mission-trip moments with you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Application: This summer, try to find quiet time with God. Find a comfy chair, a quiet place in your home, and go for it. Open His Word, speak to Him, and see where it is He takes you!

Power Verses:
Romans 15:17, "Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God."(NIV)
Job 13:17, "Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say."(NIV)
Proverbs 13:7, "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."(NKJV)