Longest Week of my Life (so far)
February 27th, 2008
Last week was the longest week of my life. It’s best if I don’t recount the story as it’s not really mine to tell; hopefully you hear it some day though. It all started Saturday 2/16 and went up Sunday 2/24. Each day seemed like forever. Life was literally flying by and I was trying to grasp each moment because each second – eternity was at stake. As long as it was and as hard as it was – I value it greatly because it’s shown and taught me many things.
- It showed me how I’ve grown as a leader, able to make decisions under pressure and in time crunch. I know in the past I would have frozen in fear and indecision. I may not have made the best decisions but I feel like I made good decisions.
- It showed me the importance of internalization. There was no time to think and process – it was act and react. My actions were guided by my instincts and my character. My actions and thoughts revealed what was inside of me. I need to continually internalize the Word because there is no time to prepare in a crisis. Be ready in season and out of season.
- We have been counted worthy. I know I could not have handled a similar situation my first year leading and maybe not even last year. I wonder what other leaders would have done in similar circumstances. I’m grateful for my coservants. They’re mature reliable people I can count on in difficult situations. God considered us worthy to bring us through such a trial.
- I need to love with this intensity all the time. I prayed so much the past week. It’s with that intensity that I need to live my daily life – with the idea that eternity is always at stake. Granted I can’t live like that every day – we were passing out from exhaustion on Saturday and Sunday but I need that mindset and attitude all the time.
- I need to trust God more. I was wringing my hands on Friday when we weren’t sure if our flight was going to make it out of Chicago. I had difficulties trusting and was an anxious mess. I knew God wanted us there but I was praying we didn’t have to drive through the night to get there. Amidst all the snow and canceled flights, we not only made it there, we arrived early.
- God is sovereign and works everything out for good. The days were dark but I clearly saw God in control and working for his good. The picture of what God is doing has become clearer as the events unfolded but there is still more to be done. He can bring life out of tragedy and hope in the midst of despair.
It’s times like these that I know God is shaping me and preparing me for even greater things to come. Like everything else that’s happened in my life, I can’t imagine what’s in store for my future but I know God still has plans for me – otherwise I’d be dead by now.