How Did I Change? Poland Thoughts – Part 2
by Jan Cox
Last week I talked about the importance of prayer for and on my mission trip to Poland.
Today I want to look at how I changed.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
This has always been one of my favourite Scriptures. And I relied on it the whole time away.
Using a Bible Study given to me by International Messengers works so well in preparation, in mission time and on coming home.
In my preparation time I learned:
- to focus – I was able to make time to do all that needed to be done before I went
- to get rid of self – I prayed hard about this one
- everything is God – and one word I learned in Polish is “wszystko” – everything.
- From my pretrip journal I read my words:
“Having God means everything. He keeps me calm; gives me inspirations; helps me when I falter; He is my shield; He gives me love, defence, protection, refuge and peace.”
During my trip:
We “came along side” our friends in Poland. Just as Jesus came along side his disciples on the road to Emmaus, we came along side and tried to show them Jesus (through our actions and words).
Here was a good prayer for us:
“Father, who can I come along side today? Lead me and guide me to that person. Give me Your words to show Jesus.”
I learned to let go of my agenda – how I expected in my English class to teach beginners to intermediates and ended up with intermediate to advanced. I changed my entire plan. But I loved it.
I had to remember that God had a process in mind and to ask Him to guide and lead me.
Here is an Acronym for my time in Poland:
ALL FOR JESUS
Accept what occurs
ReLax in Him
Love fully.
oFfer thanks
have nO agenda
be Real
reJoice
bE at peace
Seek his presence
Use Prayer
ExiSt in God alone.
Jan Cox
Janis Cox
Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has completed a children’s book called Tadeo Turtle. She is the watercolour illustrator. Word Alive will be publishing this story and it will be available later this summer. See more about Tadeo at Jan’s Website.
I like the creative acrostic Jan. Good job