TO NARNIA AND BACK
“Dearest,” said Aslan very gently, “you and your brother will never come back to Narnia”
“Oh, Aslan!!” said Edmond and Lucy together in despairing voices.
“You are too old, children,” said Aslan, “and you must begin to come close to your own world now.”
“It isn’t Narnia, you know,” sobbed Lucy. It’s you. We shan’t meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?”
“But you shall meet me, dear one.” said Aslan.
“Are – are you there, too, Sir?” said Edmond.
“I am,” said Aslan. “But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”
Short-term mission trips can sometimes seem like an adventure in Narnia, C.S. Lewis’ magical land where ordinary children become heroes and great kings and queens. For a couple of weeks you not only step into another world altogether, in some ways it seems you become a different person. Bolder. More compassionate. More zealous. More alive. More spiritual. Better. And it just seems like Jesus is right there. You feel His presence. You hear Him talking to you. Worship is amazing. Prayer actually seems to get through. That guy with the migraine even got healed when you prayed for him – right on the spot. And those two high school girls who gave their hearts to Jesus when you shared with them! You’ll never forget that. Or maybe you simply had amazing conversations about Jesus with complete strangers – and you hardly ever even do that with your own husband. But, that was all in “Narnia,” and now you’re headed back to your cubicle or your classroom or your dad’s house or the job or wherever, and it’s just a tad bit different. But there is great news. Having experienced more of Jesus here, you can live more fully in Him there. That’s one of the reasons He sent you. Not the only reason for sure – but definitely one reason.
If I were to ask you today if you have experienced a transformation through your mission or local outreach that would continue in your life there, most likely you’d say, “definitely!.” But what if I ask the same question in just a few days from now? What about three months from now? Or better yet – what if I asked your spouse? Your parents? Your friends? Would they confirm that something is different in you? It’s not automatic. It is very possible. The potential for lasting change is there. The seeds have been sown deep in your heart -- but will they grow? You want them to – but honestly it can seem a little hopeless. Life back home is just so... normal. But take heart in this – God sent you to Narnia, and you can be pretty sure that one of the reasons He sent you was to bring about some change in you. God’s on your side in this: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6). Yes! Those seeds of change in your life can grow into an abundant harvest for the glory of Jesus. Here are a few thoughts as to how you can help that to happen:
First, reflect on the experience. Talk to the Lord about all that happened. Write out your thoughts and prayers in a journal. Write about what God did through you and in you over the past weeks. Do this soon. Take a few quiet evenings, or get away for an entire weekend if you can. Consider some of the following:
As part of your reflection time, set some specific goals. Move beyond, “I’m going to pray more,” or “I’m going to view material things differently” or “I’m going to be more bold in my witness for Jesus.” Try something like, “By God’s grace I’m going to get up a half hour earlier every morning for the sake of prayer, and I’m going to begin a prayer journal,...” and “With God’s help I’m going to make a budget, and force myself into a simpler lifestyle. I’m going to allot myself no more than $___ per month for entertainment, eating out, etc. And I’m going to give $___ to _____ ministry every month, and I’m going to...” and “I’m going to ask for God’s anointing to be a true witness to ___ and ___. I’m going to pray for them every day, and ask for open doors to share God’s love with them. I’m going to begin reading my Bible during lunch break at work, and being open to talking to co-workers about what I’m reading. And I will...” Write out these goals, and put them somewhere where you will read them often. Keep them before your eyes.
Secondly, don’t do this alone. Share with a trusted friend. It would be great if you can do so with someone who was on the trip with you, or is part of your regular outreach. Even before leaving the field, find someone to be an accountability and encouragement partner. Or gather a group of three or four. Many of your teammates will be having the same longing for real transformation as you. Take advantage of the moment. It’ll be harder to take this step once you’re home. Make an appointment now to get together soon. Soon. Do it soon. Even if you live far away, you can make it work. Be determined. Share the results of your reflection times, and check up on each other. Pray together. Ask how things are going in specific areas. Talk things through. Talk about what God did in you, and some of the challenges you face in living this out back home. Accountability and friendship are terrific things to help keep you going.
Thirdly, keep ministering. Make a lifestyle out of putting yourself in stretching situations. Don’t sit back on the plane with a big “Whew! I did it! Now I can relax a little.” What ministry in your local church can you join that will continue to build on your experiences “on missions?” Can you find a ministry that will help you to interact with the poor and the lost and the hurting? Go for it. Maybe you began to experience some of God’s burden for children on the trip. Get involved in children’s ministry. Sign up and jump in, and trust God to equip you. If He did it in your Narnia, he can do it in Detroit. It may look a little different, but it’s Him all the same.
And fourthly, keep the fire burning. Do all you can do to maintain the new passion that is burning in your heart. Pray. Seek God. Remember this is His work. He’s the one giving you the desire to change and to grow.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. — Philippians 2:13
It’s for Him and His glory. Get closer to Jesus. Continually ask Him to share His heart with you; to share His burdens and His joys. Long for His glory. Read your Bible like never before. Try reading Acts and the Gospels over a few times. Get yourself around people who love Jesus and who are living for His glory. Worship Him. Pray. Fast. Be desperate to keep the passion. That’s what everything hinges on. I’m not speaking of the emotion – but something deeper than that. The determination. The hunger. The I’m-going-to-hang-onto-this-no-matter-what-it-costs-me.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:11-12
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
May God bless you abundantly!
“Dearest,” said Aslan very gently, “you and your brother will never come back to Narnia”
“Oh, Aslan!!” said Edmond and Lucy together in despairing voices.
“You are too old, children,” said Aslan, “and you must begin to come close to your own world now.”
“It isn’t Narnia, you know,” sobbed Lucy. It’s you. We shan’t meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?”
“But you shall meet me, dear one.” said Aslan.
“Are – are you there, too, Sir?” said Edmond.
“I am,” said Aslan. “But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”
Short-term mission trips can sometimes seem like an adventure in Narnia, C.S. Lewis’ magical land where ordinary children become heroes and great kings and queens. For a couple of weeks you not only step into another world altogether, in some ways it seems you become a different person. Bolder. More compassionate. More zealous. More alive. More spiritual. Better. And it just seems like Jesus is right there. You feel His presence. You hear Him talking to you. Worship is amazing. Prayer actually seems to get through. That guy with the migraine even got healed when you prayed for him – right on the spot. And those two high school girls who gave their hearts to Jesus when you shared with them! You’ll never forget that. Or maybe you simply had amazing conversations about Jesus with complete strangers – and you hardly ever even do that with your own husband. But, that was all in “Narnia,” and now you’re headed back to your cubicle or your classroom or your dad’s house or the job or wherever, and it’s just a tad bit different. But there is great news. Having experienced more of Jesus here, you can live more fully in Him there. That’s one of the reasons He sent you. Not the only reason for sure – but definitely one reason.
If I were to ask you today if you have experienced a transformation through your mission or local outreach that would continue in your life there, most likely you’d say, “definitely!.” But what if I ask the same question in just a few days from now? What about three months from now? Or better yet – what if I asked your spouse? Your parents? Your friends? Would they confirm that something is different in you? It’s not automatic. It is very possible. The potential for lasting change is there. The seeds have been sown deep in your heart -- but will they grow? You want them to – but honestly it can seem a little hopeless. Life back home is just so... normal. But take heart in this – God sent you to Narnia, and you can be pretty sure that one of the reasons He sent you was to bring about some change in you. God’s on your side in this: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6). Yes! Those seeds of change in your life can grow into an abundant harvest for the glory of Jesus. Here are a few thoughts as to how you can help that to happen:
First, reflect on the experience. Talk to the Lord about all that happened. Write out your thoughts and prayers in a journal. Write about what God did through you and in you over the past weeks. Do this soon. Take a few quiet evenings, or get away for an entire weekend if you can. Consider some of the following:
- When and how did you see God’s hand on this trip or outreach? What did He show you through those times? What does He want you to take from these experiences?
- What were some challenges for you? Why were these things hard? How did you handle them? What is the Lord teaching you through them? What growth would you like to see as a result of passing through these difficulties?
- How does God want you to be different as a result of your journey? Be as specific as you can. Be realistic. Don’t expect dramatic changes in every area overnight. Also, don’t make too long of a list. Focus on a few significant things.
As part of your reflection time, set some specific goals. Move beyond, “I’m going to pray more,” or “I’m going to view material things differently” or “I’m going to be more bold in my witness for Jesus.” Try something like, “By God’s grace I’m going to get up a half hour earlier every morning for the sake of prayer, and I’m going to begin a prayer journal,...” and “With God’s help I’m going to make a budget, and force myself into a simpler lifestyle. I’m going to allot myself no more than $___ per month for entertainment, eating out, etc. And I’m going to give $___ to _____ ministry every month, and I’m going to...” and “I’m going to ask for God’s anointing to be a true witness to ___ and ___. I’m going to pray for them every day, and ask for open doors to share God’s love with them. I’m going to begin reading my Bible during lunch break at work, and being open to talking to co-workers about what I’m reading. And I will...” Write out these goals, and put them somewhere where you will read them often. Keep them before your eyes.
Secondly, don’t do this alone. Share with a trusted friend. It would be great if you can do so with someone who was on the trip with you, or is part of your regular outreach. Even before leaving the field, find someone to be an accountability and encouragement partner. Or gather a group of three or four. Many of your teammates will be having the same longing for real transformation as you. Take advantage of the moment. It’ll be harder to take this step once you’re home. Make an appointment now to get together soon. Soon. Do it soon. Even if you live far away, you can make it work. Be determined. Share the results of your reflection times, and check up on each other. Pray together. Ask how things are going in specific areas. Talk things through. Talk about what God did in you, and some of the challenges you face in living this out back home. Accountability and friendship are terrific things to help keep you going.
Thirdly, keep ministering. Make a lifestyle out of putting yourself in stretching situations. Don’t sit back on the plane with a big “Whew! I did it! Now I can relax a little.” What ministry in your local church can you join that will continue to build on your experiences “on missions?” Can you find a ministry that will help you to interact with the poor and the lost and the hurting? Go for it. Maybe you began to experience some of God’s burden for children on the trip. Get involved in children’s ministry. Sign up and jump in, and trust God to equip you. If He did it in your Narnia, he can do it in Detroit. It may look a little different, but it’s Him all the same.
And fourthly, keep the fire burning. Do all you can do to maintain the new passion that is burning in your heart. Pray. Seek God. Remember this is His work. He’s the one giving you the desire to change and to grow.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. — Philippians 2:13
It’s for Him and His glory. Get closer to Jesus. Continually ask Him to share His heart with you; to share His burdens and His joys. Long for His glory. Read your Bible like never before. Try reading Acts and the Gospels over a few times. Get yourself around people who love Jesus and who are living for His glory. Worship Him. Pray. Fast. Be desperate to keep the passion. That’s what everything hinges on. I’m not speaking of the emotion – but something deeper than that. The determination. The hunger. The I’m-going-to-hang-onto-this-no-matter-what-it-costs-me.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:11-12
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
May God bless you abundantly!