“Follow Me”
by Xan Proctor
I remember when I was younger, I heard about missionaries doing amazing things around the world, almost thinking of them as “super Christians.” I would hear stories and testimonies of healings and miracles and long for that kind of faith. It took a while for me to realize the Spirit that filled those ambassadors of Christ was available for everyone. But why couldn’t I see the same things happening in my life?
During my last year of high school, I had a general plan of what the next years of my life looked like. Graduate, go to community college, study music, transfer to a university, and then see what happens from there. However, halfway through that same year, the Lord revealed a different path I could take. Now, it was hard for me at the time to think about the exact “path” God had for me; but I also realized that God gives us choices, and entrusts us to choose. That’s one of the beautiful parts of the free will God blesses us with. He will be with you whichever way you choose, and there’s always a way to be a light in the places you go. In James chapter 1, it mentions the wisdom God gives without reproach. We can ask Him for wisdom in those decisions that are presented to us.
You may be asking what other choice was ahead of me. Well, a lot of you might know YWAM (Youth With A Mission), which is a wonderful missions organization with a goal to fulfill the Great Commission Jesus gives us in Matthew 28. The Lord put it on my heart to apply for a DTS (Discipleship Training School). In DTS there were seven months of lectures, local ministry, outreach in other nations, and so much more. After that finished, I ended up leaving for Norway, not sure what I signed myself up for. These months changed my life not just because of fruitful fellowship, tremendous teachings, or meaningful ministries, but because I was following the guidance of the Holy Spirit instead of myself. Finally, I was living the beautiful life that Jesus invites us to live. A life filled with grace, fellowship, love, generosity, joy, peace, and gratitude. A life that takes upon the easy yoke of Jesus. A life fully surrendered to Jesus Christ, Lord over everything. Who doesn’t want that?
I am currently on outreach as a co-leader in the underestimated nation of Bulgaria. Captivating culture, radiant Roma presence, and lovely landscape of life. In just a couple days we will travel to Spain, where we will traverse across the Camino de Santiago, sharing the good news of the Gospel. We have been able to give teachings, share testimonies, and participate in lots of ministries within the Roma community. At one church service we even had the opportunity to prophesy over the congregation and pray for healings. It’s amazing to see what the Holy Spirit can do through us when we step out in boldness.
Not everyone is called to the nations to do missions their whole lives. In fact, being called to the places within Peñasquitos, or San Diego, or California can be just as fulfilling. He still calls us to be the lights of the world, regardless of where we’re called to serve. I still don’t have as much life experience or maturity as most of you, but I do have these beautiful testimonies the Lord has blessed me with. And I don’t want to live for anyone else than Jesus.
What would it look like if every one of us accepted His invitation? The same invitation He gave to Peter, to the other disciples, to Paul, to those missionaries we hear about. To all of His beloved children. To you and me.
“Come, follow me…”
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the beautiful grace and mercy that You pour onto us every day. Thank You for the life that You promise when we follow You. May Your Holy Spirit guide our journey and fill our decisions with wisdom and our actions with love. When we are unsure and have doubts, may Your character be highlighted to us, so that we remember how steadfast and good You truly are. In Your beautiful, powerful, and wonderful name, Amen.