The phrase "JUST DO IT" has been made very popular from the nike brand, and the slogan has been said and worn by people ever since it was first put out. The phrase is a catchy and inspiring,especially, in the sports world. Its not just a command; it really is an attitude. An attitude to "Just Do It" definitely would not be the smartest attitude to have in every area of life. However, when it comes to serving God I think the phrase should bring that same inspiration and excitement.
Many times before I came on this trip and while on this trip people have said to me things like: "You're so lucky, I wish I could do something like that, etc." I began to think about what these people were saying and why for some reason they think they can't dot something like this? Like you have be an "Elite Christian" or know more Bible verses or something like that to serve God in missions. This is the farthest thing from the truth. When God put it on my heart to go on this trip, I was not praying. I was not reading my Bible. I was not at church. I did not just read a sad article about orphans in Africa. I was driving home from soccer practice, and I probably wasn't even listening to Christian music! I was simply looking at a sunset, and God began to put it on my heart. I did not get a vocal word from God or anything of the sort. God just began to reveal it to me. Not because of anything I had done or was doing, but because that's the plan He had for me. I am sooooooo happy God led me to where I am. It has been an incredible journey, and I still have 5 months! However, I want to let you know that going on a trip like this or going to help somewhere around the world in any way is not something you have to Spiritually "qualify" for. It's a simple, "Yes, God I will." Yes, you have to raise money, but God always provides when it is what He wants for you. Maybe, you have read one of these blogs or seen one of my pictures on facebook, and you have began to think about going on the mission field in some way. First, push any thoughts saying that you are not spiritually ready, not qualified, or don't go to church enough to do something like that completely out of your mind. Whether you are 17 and about to graduate from high school or mid-50's, you CAN go on the mission field, if that is what you feel God is putting on your heart. There is a gentlemen here who is probably in his mid-60's who sold everything he owned and moved to Thailand to help anyway he can here. Rebuke that spirit of timidity! Maybe, its not the mission field, but you want to get more involved in church or start a Bible study. YOU CAN DO IT! Find your strength in God, and not in your own poor evaluations of yourself. God calls you righteous. God calls you His child. With our awesome God all things really are possible! Stop just saying that verse because it sounds exciting but believe and act out what that verse says. Take a leap of faith, and let God blow you away. Just do it!!!
This resurrection life you received from God
is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously
expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's
next, Papa?"
Romans 8:15 (message version)
You know what, I agree. The Bible gives us commands already of what we NEED to and what we HAVE to do but we constantly decide to go to God in prayer about it first. I think, we often use prayer as a scapegoat out of doing what God tells us to do. I think God wants us to step out in bold faith to grow His Kingdom and to make that impact and when we do that He is right there ready to bless us and to lead us.
Is this not the point of Romans 12:1-2? If you are already offering your bodies as living sacrifices you are worshiping God, yes, but when you start to live that transformed life you are able to know what God’s will is…His perfect will.
Anyway, I am glad you just did it. I think you are a bolder and braver man than I am! Cody…when do you come back to the States anyway?
T-Rav
Wow, Cody, it is amazing what God has led you to do. With His help and your wonderful determination you will continue to work with and love these people and reach them with God’s word. Keeping you in prayer, Bev Martin
By the way, on a side note to make you chuckle, my eighth grade girls think you are yummy and hot. So, in 4 years you could look for a future wife in NC, ha ha ha.
Cody these are very wise words and I am so proud that you said YES I CAN to God when called. As I was reading ths blog I remember sitting with you at the beginning and when I found out how much money you would need you might as well have said a million dollars because I had no idea where the money would come from and you never seemed to be concerned with the money because you always knew God would provide. It was such a humbling experience for me to see God at work for my son. Through generous friends and family and even some strangers it all came together. Praise God and I am so proud of you. Hope I always remember to “Just Do It!!!”
Well, you “just did it!” God has taken you on a wonderful adventure, Cody. As you serve Him, these next five months will be full of eye-opening experiences. I’m sure you will never forget the things God has taught you.We will be praying for you here at your home church. Margie Wallace
Well, you “just did it!” God has taken you on a wonderful adventure, Cody. As you serve Him, these next five months will be full of eye-opening experiences. I’m sure you will never forget the things God has taught you.We will be praying for you here at your home church. Margie Wallace
Thank you so much to all of you for your feedback and encouragement. I truly appreciate getting feedback on my blogs. My church family is totally in my prayers a ton. I love you all, and I believe God has some big things in store for colonial hills baptist church.
Travis! Thank you for agreeeing haha. and yes Romans 12:1-2 is perfect scripture for this as well. We are to be LIVING sacrifices! and thats funny about your 8th grade girls! tell them i say hi haha Its funny cuz all the girls here call me justin bieber and always want me to flip my hair. lol Also, I get back around the middle of may.