Stephens latest post from Rome....... Team Will: Stephen Tindal – “Ruined by Ruins” Posted On 22 May, 2014 These next two weeks will be the death of me. I don’t know how I can compose myself to handle it. We’ve only been traveling for 6 days. I say “only” in reference to the number of days, not of the memories they have created. In that sense, this week has been filled to the brim. It has been six days of meeting random, crazy, amazing people. Six days of seeing some of the oldest, most historic structures on the planet. Six days of growing closer to my teammates. Six days of growing closer to God. And in just the first six days I’m already shattered by the beauty that God has poured out all over these countries. Already broken apart by how insignificant we are compared to his creation. But in those very same moments, I am reminded of the fact that He chose to love us anyway. This city has humbled me. Almost humiliated me. In the presence of these ruins I have been made abundantly aware of the insignificance that my existence has apart from God. These emperors spent decades attaining fame, wealth, & power; but their monuments & titles are now nothing more than a pile of rubble – a heap of rocks that almost mock the splendor of what they once were. The tallest towers & the most flawless jewels are still only filthy rags to God. And my life is no better than theirs – if not for Christ. So what could I possibly offer? What could I do to meet His standards? Nothing. I can see of no way to reach the standard that God requires. That God deserves from me. But once again, through the experiences we have had on this trip, I see that we are never alone in our struggles to live like Christ. Our relationship with God is a two way street. Always. There is never a time when God separates himself from us or abandons us. So there is no standard to meet. There is no secret list of benevolent acts that can make us more holy. There is only surrender. Once we allow ourselves to be emptied out of our own desires & ambitions, we can be a mirror of God’s image to others, & that’s a greater legacy than any king, emperor, or college student could create on their own. As you read our updates throughout this incredible journey, please take a moment to pray over the YHM teams in two ways: WITH US – both as we seek for opportunities to spread the gospel to people & for the ones we have already shared it with. & FOR US – as we continue to seek after & carry out God’s will through the rest of this mission *time for the sappy stuff* Hi Mom! Love ya! (Everything is fine. I still have all my limbs) *time for some serious sappy stuff* Miss you Treya. Every day without you is torture. Can’t wait to see you again! The bone is stronger after broken, A pruned tree will rise above. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, Distance strengthens love. Thanks again everyone! More blogs soon to come!
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 11:42:33 +0000
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