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| Lauren: (03/22/01) Hi Jack!
Just recently God has been stirring in my heart a desire to serve Him in missions. I attended Urbana 2000, and during spring break I went on a mission trip to Mexico and that was were I felt it the strongest. I went to a coffee house last weekend and while there I met a missionary that is stationed in Brazil, which is where I once lived, and feel God is drawing my heart to. He then told me about a program he did before college called Youth With A Mission where you attend courses somewhat like a missionary seminary, and then go for 2 months to the country you feel God is calling you to. This all sounds awesome and even set up by God that I would meet this man to tell me about this opportunity. Thing is, that I have paid a deposit and everything to go to Baylor University next year (I am now a highschool senior). I have not yet told my parents about this opportunity, because knowing them I will recieve a big FORGET IT.. so I am praying that God will soften their hearts if it is His will, but the thing is, how do I know if this is His will for my life? Will I just feel complete peace about it? I long so much to follow where He leads me, I'm just not sure where that is exactally.
Glory be to God, |
| Jack: Dear Lauren: Thanks so much for your note. I'm delighted that you went to Urbana 2000 and that it was a blessing to you. It was ideal that you were able to go to Mexico almost immediately afterward, and now this meeting with the missionary from Brazil seems to be tying things together. I have found that discerning God's will is not just the matter of knowing what to do. It usually involves a process in which we draw closer to the Lord, He has an opportunity to work in our lives, and we grow in our appreciation of who He is and what it means for us to follow Him. You are facing a dilemma: your heart responds to the opportunity of YWAM missions training but you face your parents' desire that you go to Baylor. YWAM is a wonderful organization and their hands-on training would be a great stimulus to your faith in God, your understanding of Scripture, and how to present the Gospel. On the other hand, the Bible tells us that we are to obey our parents and they have provided you the great gift of being able to study in the university, which will be a very important part of your formation as a person. I like your suggestion that you pray that the Lord would "soften their hearts if it is His will." We learn in Proverbs 21:1 that "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." God is able to bring His influence to bear on those who are in positions of authority, such as your parents. I would encourage you to research the YWAM option and get hard facts and dates. Continue to pray about this possibility. When you feel that it is an appropriate time, I suggest you share your desire with your parents, telling them why it is important to you. If they strenuously oppose this suggestion, my counsel would be to follow their wishes for now. In Baylor, get involved in a group of student witness. Continue to pray about the YWAM school, and see how the Lord leads you. Here are a couple of website addresses to help you in your search: firstly, the YWAM International homepage is http://ywam.gospelcom.net/ and then for information on their Discipleship Training School (DTS), see http://ywam.gospelcom.net/faqs/dts.html God is sovereign, He loves you, He knows what He has in mind for your future, and He is able to open doors and opportunities. You are on a journey and there is much to learn!
Blessings on you, Lauren.
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