When designing things or taking pictures, we often use the concept of focal points. The focal point of an image or object is that part or parts which our eyes are drawn to without even thinking about it. Advertisers are masters at using these. But the idea is not original to man, God had the idea first.
Often when we look at flowers, the design is such that insects or pollinators attention will be drawn to a certain part of the flower. Some of these may be obvious to us, others only to the pollinators that use them.
Our lives need focal points as well. We may call them goals, objectives, targets or any one of a number of things.
As we finish up language study here in Bangkok, the concept of focal points becomes very important. During our time here in Thailand so far, we have become aware of all kinds of good things that we could be doing. But just because something is good, does not mean we should be doing it. We have to constantly go back to the question: Why are we here in Thailand?
While originally we had an idea as to the specific location and type of ministry we should be doing, for a lot of reasons it looks like that won't be happening--at least right now. So where do we go? What do we do? We have been presented with various options and have prayed for God to help show us the next steps. All of the options have been good, in that they are meaningful ministries that are helping bring the Kingdom of God to Thailand.
But we go back to the question, Why did we quit our jobs and leave the location we loved to embark on this journey? Back in 2008, when we were still enjoying our lives in Fresno, the message we seemed to hear from God is this: that we should be on a team, starting faith communities among the least reached. This is our three-pronged vocational focal point. We don't always quite understand why we have this compulsion to be doing such a thing when it seems so far removed from who we thought we were or what we thought we should be doing. But that is why we left our jobs, left Fresno, and left our family and friends to come here to Thailand.
As we think about all the things we could be doing here, we weigh the options in light of the focal point mentioned above.
During the next few weeks we and some others with us will be trying to discern what exactly that will look like during the next period of our lives. The uncertainty is at times disconcerting but it is also exciting. We look forward to seeing how God will use the persons He designed us to be to move us toward the focal point of our lives.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Ed and Ingrid, we have been praying for you during this season of discernment. If it is difficult for us to change focal points regarding your location, it must be much more so for you. So we will continue to lift you to the Father! Pastor Dennis for the RMBC family.
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