I was confused for many years and overwhelmed by the talents I possessed. I didn't know which ones to pursue at what time and at what length. I dared not ignore any of them but I was still lost and quite frustrated. It was seven (7) years of frustration and I wondered when God would answer my many prayers and tears.
I decided while I waited on God to answer that I would return to school. Great idea but what was I to do further studies in? After spending four (4) years at art school I decided I didn't want to further studies in fine arts. So I spent five (5) months in the USA. Searching schools in varying states as well as locally. It was just too much and I did not progress in that respect. But somehow during my stay I spent my time ministering to the needs of individuals online. As I did that it took the attention away from me and helped me to realize there were others who needed more help than I did.
I returned home with a greater sense of purpose and a joy and peace I knew must have been from God. I still didn't know what I was going to do with myself but I wasn't concerned anymore because I knew God was up to something. I found myself on many occasions just smiling like I was crazy. I volunteered with one of our local Christian organizations, Jamaica Youth for Christ in January 2010. By July of that same year I was on a missions trip with Jamaica Youth for Christ as a resource person. Thats what I thought.
When I got to the beautiful island of Trinidad we were engaged with youth camps in varying cities of the island. There were so many children at each of these camps it was just amazing to see how the children and youths hungered for God. I found myself just sharing stories life lessons, and the gospel with children and the youth. This is not what I had in mind at all but it was an awesome feeling. A great experience.
When I returned to Jamaica I started to ask God again what He wanted to do with me. No avenue I attempted was fruitful and I started to wonder again why I felt I had no sense of purpose and direction. All my friends seemed to know what they were doing and what they wanted to do. But there was so much more God wanted for me and for me to do. So much more. I thought I couldn't possibly do more than I was doing at church and at home. It would just be too much.
Then came the opportunity to go to Fiji ... hhhmmm - had to look it up on the map. This project for Evangelism Explosion which I barely knew about just came up and I was recommended to go. It was almost like I was expecting that call. I didn't hesitate to say yes I was available to go. When I got there everything for me was confirmed
So God finally answered my prayer. But it wasn't the kind of answer I was expecting. I didn't think I could really become an evangelist or missionary. But I wasn't searching anymore. I wasn't frustrated anymore. I felt like I just fell right into the puzzle space that was waiting to be filled.
When I decided to stop talking, searching and even praying for what God wanted to do in my life ... I started to listen. Then God spoke.
awesome stuff Stacy... this is just the beginning...many things to tell u...in time
ReplyDeleteThanx Kyrios1 ... I hope one of the things you will tell me first is who you are because I am without a clue. Please keep me in your prayer.
ReplyDeleteMissionary- yeah thats a scary word for me too!- Still havent gotten the hang of it, in fact I am just gonna say I am a worker for God. :) But you continue to make yourself available to God and He will open the ways and provide for you. One day in heaven, I pray he will say to you " Well done my good and faithful servant"
ReplyDeleteYou are in the right track.this is the best thing we can do for God,owning to the great commission of making disciples of the world.I pray that God should provide all you need to make a success in your calling and mission.I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful testimony Stace. It does confirm that those who seek will find...it might not be necessarily found where we thought it should be , but if we surrender to God,He'll open doors. I've learnt myself that when we pray about a matter especially for direction and there seems to be no answer or there's a standstill, that's when God is working behind the scenes making sure that the smallest detail is being taken care of.It is amazing when the answer finally comes that everything falls perfectly into place. Then your response can only be,'This is the Lord's doing...marvellous"
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers sister. Continue to listen to His voice
Camele
Ahhh...very inspiring. I guess i might need to stop praying about me now and start listening for God's voice.
ReplyDeleteMay God's favour and blessing continue to shine down on you, ye good and faithful servant.
Bless