God gives strength

I’ve been on mission trips before, and when I’ve always hit the exhaustion wall, I’ve always pushed passed it. In some respects, Mission ‘12 was the easiest mission trip I’ve experienced—four hours of work in the morning and then back to the church for the rest of the day. Even so, I felt unbelievably exhausted. And I can’t blame the heat. God provided nice weather. But even when my legs felt heavy and I just wanted to lie down, I found the strength to continue leading and loving on the kids.
 
This strength was the same strength I had in Joplin, Mo., where I spent all day picking up debris on a farm. Where does this strength come from? Only God can give it. When you work wholeheartedly for the Lord, you’ll be amazed at what you can do through his strength—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually, as well.

God provided verses everyday for my group devotions. Although I had planned in advance what to do for devotions, God had better verses in mind each day. God stretched me the week I spent working with the kids here in Arlington. He has been preparing me for this leading opportunity way longer than a month ago. Whatever goes on in your life don’t think that it’s pointless. God has a reason for you to be in that situation or conversation or leadership position. It doesn’t matter if you’re not qualified either. God doesn’t call the qualified.  God qualifies the called.

And the best part about this mission trip is that we didn’t have to say goodbye at the end of the week! We got to meet the kids’ families and be used by God here in our own city. The Chris Tomlin song “God of this City” comes to my mind when I think about this mission trip. Watch out, Arlington, there’s a revival coming that’s roaring like a lion!

Molly Rae Adams, a student at Dallas Baptist University, served on a stay-at-home mission trip with Fielder Road Baptist Church in Arlington.