Matthew 28:19-20
I found my purpose in life through this verse. Missions, as I learned, does not have to be cross-cultural. It can be done in your own country, in your hometown, to your neighbors, in your family, while farming or studying, while cleaning teeth or designing buildings. Whatever career, wherever you are, missions – pursuing what Matthew 28:19-20 says – is supposed to be a 24/7 thing. It doesn’t have to be international. For me, however, I love to travel and I often felt the Lord speaking to me about going to un-reached places. Before I left for my DTS, I remember whenever I talked about my future and going away to join YWAM, my heart always pulled at the thought of me travelling the world to spread the word of God. I would push it aside and say things like “No, that’s not for me” or “I’m not capable to do that.” Looking back, I realized God was constantly speaking to me about joining the international missions field, it was His desire for my life. My parents always teased that they expected my sister to stay thousands of miles away and join YWAM. Little did they (and myself) know that I would be the one staying longer.
During my DTS experience, the Lord really opened my eyes to the world. He showed me where it needed Him and His love. I realized how many people have never heard the name of Jesus. There’s a lot of people out there who are lacking peace and rest, hope and freedom, there are those who are broken and those who are poor. My eyes have been opened to how much God is moving, and I realized He really is a big God, doing big things. To be honest I rarely saw what He doing because I was so focused on myself. Then, the Lord showed me my part in all of this. I learned how I belonged with God, and how He invited me into story, by sharing His plans and His heart for the world to me. I realized my purpose is to partner with the Lord and move with Him. He is desiring my help to reach those who don’t know Him. Just these past months has God actually broken my heart for them, and grew me in my compassion. He’s given me a passion to protect and defend the weak. To fight for those who can’t and teach them how to fight in the spiritual. The Lord has given me many visions of me and Him loving on the people across the globe.
Before heading to my first cross-cultural outreach, God gave me the scripture 1 Peter 2:4-5. Verse 4 mentions how we were rejected by men but chosen and precious to God. For me, this was confirmation that God wants me to partner with Him. Verse 5 then goes on to say we are being built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and offer acceptable spiritual sacrifices. The Lord told me through this verse that I am being called to help build His house and lead those to a firm foundation, a safe home. I am a part of His house that He is building. In less metaphorical terms, by spreading the love of God, lending a helping hand, I am being a piece to help bring The Kingdom to Earth. This verse is a significant word from the Lord, that applies to not just the one outreach location, but wherever I go in the world. It was just more confirmation of my calling.
Jamiela's Journey 