Although I am finished with my walk to Houston, I will never be finished with my walk for God. He has called each of us to take up our cross and follow. For some, that may mean staying right where you are, for others, that may mean finding that perfect fit with you and society, reaching out to others. However, for me and Kathy, that means, following God's call on our lives to reach out to those who are being harmed by human trafficking. It also means, that we will be standing as protectors of those who will minister to the ones who are hurting and needing the sanctuary for their lives to be made whole again through Christ.
We didn't ask God to place us in Lesotho, Africa. We simply asked God to use us. Most know the old saying, "be careful what you ask for, you might just get it." Well, we can't be careful about that type of asking because if God needs us to do something, then we should be more than willing to say, "Yes, God!" What good would it be to say, "Hey God... I want you to use me, but only when it is comfortable, non-threatening, easy and full of happiness for me." That is like saying, "Hey God... I will do your will only if it is something I want to do, otherwise, don't ask, because I don't love you enough!"
Not long ago, I heard Christine Caine, (a21campaine), speaking about how life is just a vapor. She stated that people needed to rise up and be who God called them to be, not sit back in their safe little lifestyles. Well, she was right. Life is just a vapor, compared to what eternity is. I have to say, we have wasted most of our lives just sitting around, pretending to be something we are not. We pretend to be good Christians, but then we gripe about not having enough in our lives... enough what? Did God promise you that you would have everything your little heart desired? NOPE, he sure didn't. He said that you were not to worry about tomorrow, that he knew when even a sparrow fell, that he knows the number of hairs on your head. However, he never said, I will give you everything you want.... because He won't do that. He will give you what you need, if you are following Him and are living in His will for your life.
Vapor, yep, that is what she said.... your life is a vapor. Guess what.... that means, that if you wait till tomorrow to do something for God, then you may never do it. It means that if you have to get out of school before you can serve God, or get married, or get your kids grown, you will always find another excuse, then your life will be over before you ever give God the respect He so much deserves.
I am not saying that we (Ken & Kathy) are perfect or that we have led perfect lives full of God's will. I am simply saying, we have finally realized that our lives are supposed to be lived for God's glory, not our own. We have finally acknowledged God's call on our lives.
Kathy has spent the last 28 years, somewhat ignoring God's call on her life. She was told when she was only 15 that she would be a missionary. She got married, had kids, got a divorce, repeated the cycle and now is looking back on her life, wondering where she would be now, if she had followed God's will for her life, instead of following her own desires. No, she doesn't have regrets, because what she went through, God is using now. However, she does hurt for those she did not help along the way. She does fear that maybe she should have done more back then and that she can't make up for lost time. However, God has called her again, and has said He can still used this broken and used vessel of His, to bring glory to His name, so she gladly follows now.
Ken has spent even more time ignoring God's call on his life. He thought it would be easy to run away from God because he was mad at Him. He thought he could hide behind friends, boats, bikes, parties, drinking, work and anything else that would help him forget his call. However, God's call on his life was simply stronger and more appealing than anything else. God placed Ken and Kathy together for a specific reason, so that they both would heed His call on their lives. Together, with their faith in God, they have decided to follow Jesus, to follow God's call on their lives and to not let anyone or anything stand in their way.
Now, that being said, we want to make it very clear here.... God has called us all to live a life for Him. Some are called to be the best dad they can be. Some are called to say kind words to someone in need. Some are called to lay down their lives for others. Some are called to simply smile or hug the person that walks through the door. If you really search your heart, meditate on what God given gifts you have, you will find where God has called you to. Will you stop being a vapor and become a walk for God?