Transformation

"It wasn't supposed to go that way..."

Ever thought that? I know I definitely had that thought a couple of times this past week! To start - I was supposed to have cell reception in Catadupa so I could update everyone as the week progressed along. That didn't happen. As soon as we left Montego Bay, my phone quit.

"It wasn't supposed to go that way..."

But, as it turns out sometimes it is just what doesn't go our way that God uses for His good work in us.

As we prepared for our time in Catadupa, we focused a lot on the transformation that occurs as we seek Jesus. Our hearts are enlarged and changed and made more into the likeness of Him. As I reflect on our past week in Jamaica, I know I had the thought that transformation would happen, but it would be when I was in Jamaica. It's not to say that transformation didn't occur, but I was banking on the majority of it to be then and not any other time.

I think this might have been the case with some of the youth who went along as well.

Today, as I was thinking about what God has done in my heart, I was reminded of Jesus' words from Luke 17:5-6:

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 

He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."

What the disciples wanted was their faith to grow - which isn't bad - but what Jesus shows them is they were missing what they already had! He was letting them know that the faith they had was already sufficient enough to do mighty things.

Isn't is surprising how we can miss this? We keep looking for what we already have. This past week, I was looking for transformation and the evidence of it. I did see it, but I also saw that it had a foundation already started that allowed for that evidence to be showcased. It took time for that transformation to make itself visible.

I think for a lot of us we were looking for the evidence and wanted to see development in an instantaneous way. What God was showing me was transformation has already taken place. All the months leading up to the trip and the work we did in our small groups helped lay that foundation in order for that faith to mold and increase. God did mighty things through us but only because we sought God prior in relationship with Him and one another.

I am so excited for all the ways that our relationship with God will continue to shine forth His goodness as we seek Him. Transformation continually happens in our hearts in relationship, and what has happened this past week is only the beginning to the mighty things He has in store for our futures. To Him be all the glory!

Run

I love running! I have been running for years and it has now been a decade endeavor in my life. I really started engaging in running when I was 16 and it has benefited my life in tremendous ways. It's also challenged me like I would have never imagined. It's brought out a competitive energy within me as well, and this has taken me to compete in various 5K's, 10K's, long-distance relays, a half-marathon, and a full marathon. It's crazy what starting something to lose a little weight has done in transforming my life in such a tremendous way!

As I think about running this morning, I am preparing to leave tonight to travel to Jamaica on a mission trip. This will be my first endeavor to Jamaica. I've always thought of it as a very cool place to visit. Over the past few months, I've learned so much more about the nation. The place we will be going to is called Catadupa and it is a place where hope has been taken but is slowly starting to rise. I pray that our time there would continue to build up that hope that comes in Jesus Christ.

Running has taught me many things about faith, AND putting that faith into action. Jesus Christ has called us to the narrow path. You have to walk to be on that path. That requires movement and an action. In running, you have to move your legs in order to get somewhere. Running requires movement and action. We can't be stagnant - we won't get anywhere!

In our group's mission opportunity, we're moving. We could have taken the moments of these next 10 days and rested on the lake. I know I could use a few days off! But my faith calls me to action. And my faith has pointed me to Jamaica, along with all these youth and adults. I don't know how God will show up in our lives, but I do know He will! And I'm excited to share when He does on here! Catadupa is a place on my path as I run after Christ. With this, I wanted to point out some verses that I've been thinking deeply about the past few weeks. I really like these verses, and something more might show up on this blog in the coming weeks. As I've learned how to run, these verses have spoken truth to the correlation of life in Christ:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I'm going to run after Christ with a perspective of making Him known and affecting eternity. How are you going to follow after Him?

Purpose

Good morning everyone! This will be short, but I hope it is helpful! Welcome to my blog!

As a lot of you parents know, I am taking your children to Jamaica in a week! This will be the spot where I will post some updates and help you learn all that we are experiencing. I have written a number of things on this blog in the past (yes, it has been a while...), so feel free to check them out.

Also, I have another blog if you get curious for reading at atonementfargoyoungadult.blogspot.com. I'm excited for all God has in store for us this next week! Thanks for your prayers! Love, Brandon