Lesson Learned: God's Challenge For The Month of May

So for the month of May I felt God lead me to show his love to a total stranger.  The assignment was to bless a total stranger every day in multiple ways.  He allowed me to share this challenge with all of you and at the end of the month we would share our experiences.  Now going into this challenge I was expecting so many people life being changed.  I was going to be used by God in different ways and people would be reminded of his love.  What I didn’t expect was I learned the biggest lesson about myself.  I realized how much time I spent thinking about me.  How everything I did in my life was for me to get some praise rather than God.  I discovered I was not living the purpose God created me for.  Yes I was living a selfish, prideful and self-centered life. 

So God revealed that the problem was that I had not surrendered my all to him.  How many people can relate to that?  We tell God I will give you this much of my life but I got this area over here.  Well the area I had my hands on was not peaceful.  There was confusion, hurt, and no rest.  I vowed to God that I would surrender everything in my life and my life to him.  I only want what God wants.  I even start disliking the words I and me.  I want to give to others from the heart and anonymous because I want people to see God only.  I truly understand what people mean when they say I just want to please him and hear job well done. 

In this process I met some wonderful people.   I gained new friendships, which one I would have never seen formed but God.  I am boldly stepping out on faith and when he tells me to move I am obedient.  Nothing matters more than God’s purpose. 

I also became conscious again.  It’s easy to fall asleep to the world when you take your eyes off God and focus on yourself.  We complain about so many things that are frivolous.  There are people around the world that are thanking God for the piece of bread they have last all week, praying for clean water and dreaming about one day coming to the United States.  Please remember there is someone who wishes they had your problems.  My heart longs to pray for people who need God or have lost their way.  I was created to be used by him.  My prayer every morning is for the Lord to use me for your purpose and open my eyes and ears so I know exactly where you need me.

There has also been a tug on my spirit to go on a mission trip.  God has given me gifts to use for his will and for so long I have allowed them to go to waste.  Are you taking advantage of your gift today by hiding it within?  God wants to use you the question is, are you willing to put down your will and follow him? 

If you didn’t participate in the May challenge it’s not too late.  You don’t need a particular month to express God’s love.  Start today.  Pay for somebody grocery, pray for a stranger that you see struggling, donate some clothes, or simply speak and smile at someone.  You never know how these simple things can change a person life.  If you are asked why you are doing what you are doing just state because God loves you more than you know. 

Love You Guys

Crystal ‘FREEDOM’ Baskin