Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Are you ever anxious? Whenever I travel, I am always anxious about the trip. Did I remember everything? Will there be any issues? Will I arrive safely? My mind can develop a thousand things that could go wrong. As I am maturing in my faith journey, I am learning to let go and let God. I am dropping the worries and enjoying the journey more. When I worry, I cannot enjoy the people I meet. I am focused on what can go wrong.
Each time we approach another challenge of getting the job done, I ask you to think about relationships. There is a fine line between completing the task to which you are called and building the Kingdom. God is more concerned about relationships than task completion. I learned this years back when I went on a summer mission trip. The Site Leader told me he had plenty of contractors who could finish the job. It was our job to build relationships with the people we came to help.
I can be very task oriented. I focus in on what needs to be done and forget the people around me except those who can help complete the task. I lose opportunities to get to know people better and share the journey with them. I don’t make memories. Do you find yourself in that boat? Are you so focused on the task and its completion that you don’t build relationships?
Our team is here in La Entrada, Honduras for eight days to see 200-250 kids and staff for their yearly dental checkups. Our time is limited and the need is great! Upon what should we focus? If we are not careful, we can lose sight of the real mission which is to spread the love of Jesus to the ends of the earth. It just so happens that, at this time, the vehicle by which we get this opportunity is dental checkups at Hearts for Honduras School. Remember that the first graders have never seen a dentist before and are afraid. You see, we are all afraid of something. Let us go to God with our fears and He will give us the peace that passes all understanding.
Lord Jesus, please calm our fears. We are all afraid of something. Remind us, by Your Holy Spirit, that we have nothing to fear for You go before us preparing the way and walk with us to give us courage. Help us to focus on You and the people You love. Help us to be thankful for the time we have here in Honduras or anywhere else to build the Kingdom by spreading the Gospel of love. In Your name we pray. Amen!