January 14, 2012

YOU'RE GONNA SEND ME WHERE?

Key Verse
' . . . Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." (Genesis 12:1)
Read More READ THE CHAPTER

Central Truth

Listen and respond. That's all we're asked to do.

Reflections

A family was living a comfortable life in Northwest Austin: working, raising kids and enjoying the many luxuries of life. Then, through a series of unexpected yet remarkable events, God changed their views of what comfort and success was. It included selling everything, moving out of Steiner Ranch, and taking their three kids to a third world country, Uganda. To work in the slums.

Not the everyday story, but one that fulfills the Genesis 12 Scripture.

Scott and Sarah Lambie are now in full-time ministry with the African Children's Choir in Kampala, Uganda, ministering to the children of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling to Uganda in March 2011 with theRESPONSE band for a series of concerts and to lead backyard Bible clubs (albeit there are no backyards in Uganda) with hundreds of children in the slums. Never before had I seen such poverty, pain and unimaginable conditions. Heartbreaking images of children are seared in my mind; I didn't need a camera to record them.

Those scenes, those moments, changed us. But we learned an equally impressionable lesson from the Lambies. Gone were the luxuries enjoyed in Austin. Gone were the cars, favorite restaurants and stores. They were replaced by fulfillment, joy, and deep satisfaction from knowing they were doing what God wanted them to do.

We don't have to move to Uganda to follow that call (albeit I wish I could). I strongly believe our God calls each of us for something special. That is, if we will only listen. We'll hear the same "loud" calling that the Lambies heard, and that Abram heard in Genesis 12. But it might be in our neighborhood, school, office, or our own home.

That's the opportunity we have every day. To listen. To respond. Just as Abram did. I am not writing this as one who has done this. Quite the contrary. But it's something we can all still do. It's not too late. There is an "undiscovered land" that God will take you to, that He will give you responsibility for, if you'll put an ear to the ground.

Discussion Questions

1. How hard would it be to give up everything, to do something full-time for the Lord?

2. What is that one calling that you wish you could be a part of?

3. What ministry could you (and your family) be a part of that you believe you'd love to do?

4. What "land" does God want to show you, where you can impact His kingdom?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.

  1. Rob Parkhurst

    January 14, 2012 05:29 AM

    Listen and Respond is right on. He will call you out of your comfort zone. Most will NOT respond. Most will turn a deaf ear and be missing a great blessing. He called me to prison ministry over 12 years ago. I had never been in a jail or prison and it was the farthest thing to what I would have thought would be where He would want me to go. I listened and responded finding myself way out of my comfort zone. I obeyed the Holy Spirit's leading and have been greatly blessed as a result. What a privilege to be used of God to be part of His work and see men change for His glory. I don't have room here but I did write a book on the first ten years of this experience and it can be found in the book store at HCBC NW and is available for Kindle users online, and also at www.powerplayproducts.com If you hear His call, do yourself a favor and respond with obedience. You will be blessed greatly as a result. In Christ, Rob Parkhurst

  2. John

    January 14, 2012 06:46 AM

    Craig, thx for the reminder. Every question needs to press the reset button and ask questions like this of God periodically.

  3. Linda Weber

    January 14, 2012 10:55 AM

    I unsubscribed by mistake. Please add me back to subscription to joining the journey. Thanks.

  4. Cindy

    January 14, 2012 11:19 AM

    Craig, Thanks for this challenge to look with-in and consider my own "Uganda".

  5. Ed Helbing

    January 14, 2012 11:35 AM

    Great devotional Craig. I agree with your "unique call" approach to how God has made each of us. This helped me a lot.

  6. Jim Rakes

    January 14, 2012 02:28 PM

    Craig, thanks for a great devotional! Grace and peace, Jim

  7. Steve Gibbs

    January 14, 2012 02:54 PM

    What a poignent reminder, Craig. Thank you for helping me to refocus attention on the important, rather than the urgent. You have a wonderful gift for conviction...might you have been a good criminal attorney? :) Love you brother. Steve

  8. Ron Hunt

    January 14, 2012 10:12 PM

    I echo the thoughts of my brother in Christ Jesus Rob Parkhurts. I and my wife Sandy...have served in Christain camping for since 2006. We participated and witnessed God moving in many lifes and camp was growing. The Bastrop wildfires burned the camp and most of property will need many years to heal and grow back. We'd do it all over again! God gave us the vision through HCBC-NW. Thank you.

Leave a Comment

Sign Up to Join the Journey
Craig Parks

Craig Parks

Hello! My name is Craig Parks. We have been at Hill Country Bible Church for 6+ years and absolutely love this church's many ministries. Jeanne and I have three children: Russell, Georgia and Leigh, who have all grown up in the Student Ministry.

We are originally from Mississippi and still make three to four road trips a year back home to see family. We love living in Austin and are beyond blessed to be a part of HCBC.