I have been talking to various people about coming down to not only visit me but explore Guatemala and, of course, volunteer some time, too. I heard so many excuses, some valid some not so much. Someone had a wedding to go to this summer? Someone had camp? Someone has kids? Someone just couldn’t miss the fairs this summer? And someone just had to see the fireworks for July 4th? What? That last one actually made me laugh. Every weekend, if not everyday I hear or see fireworks in town. It is practically a daily occurrence!
See for yourself!
I’m not writing this because I am “complaining that people won’t come down.” I’m writing this because I see time and time again people hide from what God really wants them to do. They find every excuse in the book to try to get out of things they don’t want to do or are too scared to do themselves. Believe me. I can see an excuse from a mile away. How? Because I am the queen of excuses, but when it comes to doing things for my Lord, I have to obey. That is why I am here in Guatemala. I’m not asking you to do the same thing I did. I’m not asking you to quit your job, leave your family and everything you know and love behind to do something what God wants you to do. No. I’m just asking you to take a week off of your daily and work life, come down to paradise and do some work for the Lord and explore the beauty of the world? How hard is that really?
Now I understand that money is a big problem for some. I know a few people who are excluded from this post because they have the desire and gumption to be here, but they just have the lack of funds. I also know that these people will be here or do the work of the Lord somewhere in this world once the time comes.
I truly think that the others are being like Moses. Moses, you ask? Yes. Moses. When God first asked Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he told God many, many excuses to get out of it. He was scared. He gave God many excuses such as he wasn’t qualified to do the job, not educated enough in religion, didn’t think it would work, it’s not his gift, and he didn’t want to do it. What did God tell him after each excuse? “I will be with you always.” What you lack, he will provide. When Moses asked about God because he didn’t know enough about him, God responded, “I am that I am.” The best way to grow in knowledge is to step out in faith.When Moses starts to doubt God saying he didn’t think his plan would work, God said, “It will work!” Then God gave him ways to show the Egyptians that Moses meant business….you should know what those are. When Moses said that he simply couldn’t complete the task, God told him that he would give him the gifts to complete the job. Lastly, Moses begged God to send someone else. This is the one I hear the most. People tell me that it is great that I am here doing this but they could never do anything like this. If I can do it, YOU can do it!
It is nice to be a representative of sorts of my church and community but wouldn’t it be a lot better if we could say, “Look at our town! Look at the loving people who live here! Look at what we do and what we accomplish!” Even if Guatemala isn’t for you, look into what you can do in your own community. I’m sure your neighbor could use an extra hand cutting grass, buying groceries, painting the front porch, or just someone to talk to?
Something to think about: “I wonder how many people are living miserable lives right now because they refuse to do what God has told them to do. Rather then moving forward, they continue to make excuses. Instead of obeying God they try to come up with reasons why they shouldn’t have to obey. Instead of trusting God’s promise they trust their fears. Are you one of those people? “
“If you want to be greatly used of God you must be willing to follow wherever He leads you. It’s time to stop hiding behind the excuses we are so good at making. It’s time to stop resisting and start following. It’s time to stop saying, “I can’t” and start saying, “He can”. It’s time to stop debating faith and start practicing it.”
I’m sure I will be getting a lot of comments on this one. Would love to see all of your perspectives on this issue. 🙂
Credits for this post:
Exodus 3:12-4:18
http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/060301.html