What Makes a House a Home

Last night, I weathered cold, rain, and wind to attend a young adults Bible Study with a group of sweet, Jesus-loving students from my church here in Copenhagen.  With the navigational help of a fellow DIS student, I managed to find the Pastor's home (the first house I've been in since arriving in Copenhagen in August).  Upon arriving, I was immediately grateful for the shelter from the cold and rain as well as comforted by the sight of friendly faces and the smell of pumpkin soup on the stove. The cozy home was sprinkled with candles and filled with laughter and love.

After the perfect soul-warming dinner of pumpkin soup, salad, and fresh bread, we retired into the living room where, wrapped up in tartan print blankets and nurturing cups of coffee and tea, we opened our Bibles to the book of Hebrews and began reading chapter 8.  Once we were done our round robin reading of the chapter, under the Pastor's guidance, we discussed any questions, concerns, or thoughts we had about the passage and then concluded the evening with prayer requests for the week ahead.

Being in a home surrounded by fellow believers, even if only for a few hours, was so encouraging and a wonderful way to start my week.  I am so thankful to be able to share my love of Christ and my faith journey with such a diverse group of Christians.  While many good reminders were discussed during the Bible Study, one comment really struck a chord for me.

We must sacrifice efficiency to listen to God.  

In the world today, and especially in American culture, speed and efficiency have great value.  I am often guilty of prioritizing quantity over quality, wanting to check everything off my to-do list instead of completing each task to the best of my ability.

In the same way, I sometimes struggle to wait for God's timing. I think I have a plan that will get to the end result in a faster, more efficient way.  But as a follow of Jesus, I need to remember that God doesn't value efficiency; His timing is perfect.  Instead of interceding to "speed up the process", I need to pray to God for Him to help me be patient and trusting in His ultimate plan for my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11