Galatians 1:10 says “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hey everyone! It has been a month since I last posted, but I wanted to share a story for today. I have been wanting to share this for a long time, but never got around to actually sharing it publicly. This is purely from my heart, and hopefully this specific moment in my life can help encourage all of you that are reading.
My senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go on a mission’s trip to Chile. This was my first time out of the country, experiencing a completely different environment and culture. I was faced with the common cultural barriers of language, food, bathroom situations, and even the sense of time. What I love about Chilean culture is that they value time. They believe in this idea of “the job will get done, when it gets done.” There are no time constraints, it is very unorthodox to the way the United States navigates life on a daily basis. They cherish time, as opposed to the United States, we tend to be constrained on time, and just constantly on-the-go.
On the trip, I got to experience a night service at the church we partnered with. Going into it, I was excited to experience something new, but I was also uneasy because I knew the whole service was going to be in Spanish. I wasn’t mad because the service was in Spanish, but I was more frustrated with myself wishing I understood the language. I wanted to hear what the pastor had to say, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to understand.
From the very beginning of the service, I had this feeling of uncomfortability. I was uncomfortable in the situation I was in. I remember the questions stirring in my head, “Can I lift my hands up to worship?” “Is raising my hands offensive?” “I wonder what song is being sung right now?” “Are the people behind me staring at me?” “Is my team going to make fun of me?” All these questions were racing in my head as I contemplated fully surrendering in worship or not. I was going back and forth in my head for one full song.
Then, the second song started playing, and my heart jumped, as I heard the familiar tune of the song “Open The Eyes of My Heart.” The worship team started playing this song, and I remember the Holy Spirit saying “let go and worship me.” As soon as I heard the small, still voice, it cancelled all ounce of fear and contemplation in my head. I lifted my arms and started singing the (Spanish) lyrics that were on the screen. It was in that moment of finally breaking free from cultural barriers, that I was able to experience the presence of the holy spirit that was saturating the room.
It was in the place of uncomfortability and vulnerability where the holy spirit met me. It was in that moment where I surrendered my thoughts and I chose to authentically worship God. This was one of my breakthrough moments during my experience in Chile. From that experience alone, I truly realized the idea that worshipping Jesus is global and universal. The same way I worshipped Jesus in California, was the same way I was able to worship in Chile, 6,000 miles away from home. I understood the concept that God has no borders. The same God I worship at home, is the same God I worshipped in Chile. It doesn’t matter the language or cultural barrier you experience, God remains constant and He will meet you in your discomfort.
This concept seems easy to understand and very foundational, but as I recount this story, I am reminded of how much as a society we are bubbled up. We see what is happening within our life, within our country, and we don’t see what happens beyond our borders. In the United States, especially, sometimes we get caught up in the fast pace of life, that we don’t realize there is a whole world out there still spinning. Likewise, when we are so focused on our life, we can get blinded from the fullness of God and what He is doing. After I was able to get past my thoughts, I was able to be free from mind, and I was able to experience the Holy Spirit. There is so much going on outside of our own personal lives, and outside of this country, but we don’t see it because we are caught up in our own selfish ways.
Now more than ever we need to be bold in our faith, spreading the Goodness of Jesus Christ. If we keep focusing on ourselves and what other people think, we can’t grow spiritually or mentally. It is when we fixate our eyes and mindset to the cross, where we experience freedom. Once you overcome that blockage and break free from what’s hindering you spiritually, then you can fully and openly experience the fullness of God. Be bold and stand strong in your faith, and let it radiate for all to see!
My Alabaster Box by Keilani Mayo