'Experiment!'

So, I figured that I’d have to drive to the Amazon. I took Biology and Chemistry freshman year of college only to get low Bs. There went my dream of being in the medical profession. My plans changed that I’d drive my car and go to preach the gospel in the Amazon. 

 I went to Mexico with Spearhead Mission for 9 months after my sophomore year of college. It was a great experience, but I discovered that I did not have much aptitude for language acquisition. I then decided I’d be a home missionary preaching the gospel and doing economic development in the inner city. 

 Eastern was the only seminary that offered a Masters of Divinity focusing on urban economic development. I was attending Duke Divinity School, so perhaps I’d be a regular pastor. Throughout high school, college, and grad school, I lead many small groups including one on a fishing boat in Alaska. Those groups and studies seemed to be well received, transformative, and effective. So, I figured I’d be a pastor to English-speaking people in the United States. 

 However, none of those years were wasted. I gained experience, skills, and knowledge every step of the way. Each experiment equipped me in different ways for what I do now. No experiment is a failure when you are trying to find your niche in the Kingdom. 

 The point is that it takes time and experimentation to figure how you can best use your gifts. God’s call and gifting might change depending on the situation and how He wants to use you. Have fun. Enjoy the journey. Stay open to God’s marvelous work in you and through you. “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Eph 5:9-10).

 Seeking God’s Kingdom,

 Jonathan