by Jill Lienemann, Kesher International Missions | ©2011
Being on time is being early. This was the motto of the Christian ministry from which I had the blessing of learning professional conduct and business etiquette. As I waited with the rest of the mission team for the bus to arrive and transport us from our lodging to the designated ministry location, it became obvious the driver was going to be late. My anxiousness turned into anger. I thought to myself, “Doesn’t the driver know we have a schedule to keep?” Even though I was primed mentally to be flexible, the continual “hurry up and wait” occurrences on the mission trip took a toll on me emotionally. I wrestled with my own conditioning that punctuality was something to embrace. However, as I soon discovered, other cultures value the event over the task completion. They daily live out the yielding of something that has temporal worth (time), for something of eternal merit, an investment in others (relationships).
Are you are feeling frustrated as a result of time conflicts encountered on your mission trip? “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 KJV) The phrase “be still” comes from the Hebrew term “raphah” meaning to be weak, to let go or to release. God desires that you yield (relinquish one’s possession of position of advantage or point of superiority) your own efforts to the Holy Spirit so He can fully empower you both in your personal life and your work in God’s kingdom business. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a NLT)
Heed Stephen’s remarks to those who are resistant to the Lord’s voice, “You stubborn people! You have not given your hearts to God, nor will you listen to him! You are always against what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you…” (Acts 7:51b NCV)
KESHER PRAYER (connection): God, thank you for giving me eyes to see that my inner struggle is your method of molding me to become more Christ-like. Please give me ears to hear your voice of instruction in the midst of my conflict so I will know where I need to yield my perspective of the world and take on your heart’s view of it. “Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path…” (Psalm 27:11a NKJV)
