Is It Worth It For Just One?

Getting up early, going to bed late, pouring out more enthusiasm and energy than you thought possible in one day, praying, and praying, making tough decisions, choosing to rejoice, being creative, speaking truth -- every day -- for two-plus weeks, and finishing up absolutely drained emotionally, physically, mentally, and possibly spiritually as well.
Is it really worth it?

If one person becomes a child of God, it is worth every last breath inside of me!

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."  - Luke 15:10

God has given me the privilege of going to help for two weeks in partnering with churches to teach Bible-clubs to the children in their neighborhoods, and to help connect the children's families with the churches! This a wonderful opportunity to spread the good news of Jesus as well as a great chance for me to be challenged, stretched, and to grow in my walk with the Lord.

I ask that you all would pray for the team that I will be working with. Please ask God to unite our hearts in love for Him. My desire is that we would be a group of people who are humble before our God, vessels that He would be pleased to bring Himself glory through.
Also, please pray for the churches that we will be partnering with, the children that we will be teaching, and the family of each child. May Satan be bound, ears and hearts opened, Truth spoken, and Jesus Christ believed and accepted!

This trip is scheduled to be from Tuesday, June 28th through Sunday, July 17th. As I have been thinking and praying in preparation, these are the verses that have come to mind.

"He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip." - Psalm 18:34-36

My first reaction to my invitation to participate in this outreach was uncertainty and fear. "Can I really do this...well?"  "What if a situation comes up and I have no idea what decision to make?" And so many other questions....  God reminded me through this passage that it is He that is working through me. He gives me all that I need, is holding me up, and is gentle with me.  

"...let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1b-2

These verses reminded me of where to focus. Jesus saw past His "light affliction" that was "but for a moment". Not only did He look past it, He embraced every part of it focusing on the joyous result!

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." - 1 Corinthians 15:10

What a wonderful place to rest! It is God who works in us, both to will, and to do, His good pleasure!