Gladly Would I Leave Behind Me

With a tear-stained face and a hopeful heart I stepped onto a plane that will take me to Africa for the next two years. A dream I have had for at least twice as long. One that only God could fulfill in his perfect way, in his perfect timing, all for his glory.

While I was counting the days until I see my family before my plane had even crossed ocean, the Lord grabbed my attention with a song I had never heard before…

Gladly would I leave behind me

All the pleasures I have known

To pursue surpassing treasures

At the throne of God the Son.

Then the Lord spoke to me from Jeremiah 29. Everyone loves the promise of prosperity and His hand on our future in verse 11, but backing up a bit gives some context. This letter was written to the Israelites while they were in exile. I can only imagine the temptation for them to shut down, to hide away, to try to block out the present and wait for the Lord to rescue them. But that's not what he tells them to do.

"Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters…" (v 5-6a)

Basically, live your life here. This is your home now. And I am reminded that this journey is so much more than a two year assignment. God is working in my heart, so that I may be ready to love the people of Botswana so much that I delight not only to share the gospel with them, but my life as well (1 Thess. 2:8).

To love without reserve.