As a fourteen year old, I knew exactly what I wanted to be, “I want to be like the apostle Paul and travel around and tell everyone about Jesus. I NEVER want to own a car or a house or a TV.”
I had it all planned out. When I graduated college I was going to Africa and never coming back! I thought Americans were so spoiled. They indulged in luxuries such as Starbucks, running water, electricity. They had been fattened by consumption. I had boasted how I was going to live simply and look after orphans.
When the time came, I graduated college and headed to Africa…however, God had an important lesson to teach me: Boast only in weakness.
I thought I was going to Africa to make a big difference for God, however I had a distorted view of bringing God glory. In my heart I thought I was "better" than others. I had boasted about NEVER wanting to own a car or a house or a TV. I wanted to live simply. I was sick of luxurious America. Because I had boasted in all these things God humbled me and made me the very thing I condemned, a spoiled American living in Uganda. I missed couches, Starbucks and all the other luxuries of America. Through this, I have realized that many of these "luxuries" are a blessing and can be used for the glory of God. I can enjoy a Starbucks coffee, sit on a comfortable couch, buy a house for the glory of God and not as a "spoiled American".
In a few years I believe God wants me to go back to Uganda and live simply, but I need to do it with HIS strength and not out of pride or a condemning, judgmental spirit.
Lord, help us to never judge anyone, for with the judgment we judge others, we will be judged. May we never boast in our strength, but rather in our weakness and in Christ and him crucified.
Holly, this is a blessing to read. I'm praying that God would continue to fill you with Himself, that you might continue to be a joy and a light to those around you--wherever He places you!
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