Take time to Rest. In Jesus.

Over the last several weeks, I have been faced with a feeling of lack of purpose and direction. I am aware that this feeling is not from God because I have been spending my time speaking with people about my mission, babysitting, taking care of sick family members, and doing random jobs for friends and family. I have been busy to say the least. But I can’t help but be reminded of the verse in Luke chapter 10 that says, “you are worried and bothered about so many things;but only one thing is necessary..” In the midst of feeling like I need to be doing something or checking things off of this grande to-do list, I catch myself wondering what I am doing. My version of productive is being remolded to that of Christ. I am realizing that I may have a list of things to do and not one of them be something the Lord would will for me to get done that day. One of my sweet friends reminded me of a verse in Hebrews chapter four that talks about resting. She went on to say how it says that we must be diligent to enter that rest. Sometimes, we just have to slow down, take a step back and realize the Lord may have us in a place in order to take a deep breath and rest. As I am continuing to raise support, speak with those about my mission, and getting things ready to leave for the mission field, I pray that I don’t forget to rest in Jesus; to sit at his feet, pour my heart out before him and allow him to change me from the inside out to look more and more like Jesus. I want to share a quote by one of my most favorite pastors, John Piper. Thank you for reading. God bless.

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word’" Luke 1:38

"Can you say: ‘Let the Holy Spirit do with me as he pleases’? Do you trust the Spirit enough to say: ‘I am your slave; take me; use your omnipotent power to put me where you want me, when you want me there, doing what you want me to do’? Do you know why we can entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit? Because he exists to exalt the glory of Jesus Christ. Therefore, if the heartbeat of your life is the glory of Jesus Christ, the Spirit will empower and help you with all his might. Let’s live and speak so that men and women might know that Jesus Christ is a great Savior, the Son of the Most High, and the never-ending King of kings. That’s the passion of the Holy Spirit. To be full of that is to be full of him.” ~John Piper

-Mads

Ps- check out my previous post to watch my support video! :) Thanks!

Video Update: My Journey to the Dominican Republic

I want to share with you guys a video that my sweet friend Megan made for me documenting some of my time in the Dominican Republic and a vision of what I will be doing for the next two years! I wanted to share it with you guys. I pray that the Lord uses it to bless and encourage you! Simply click on the link below and it will take you to the video! Thanks for watching!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dcmaOmxGJ4

-Madison

Two Months.

I woke up this morning and glanced at my watch. August 11. To many of you this may not be a day of great significance, but to me this marks exactly two months before I fly out to Santiago, Dominican Republic. These last three months have gone by so fast, but God has done BIG things to prepare me to go to the Dominican Republic. I had the opportunity to speak at Camp Lapihio to the Middle School and High School students. I was given the privilege of speaking at New Hope Baptist Church and First Free Will Baptist Church. I had the honor of leading 7 precious women to San Pedro, Dominican Republic to serve in the sugar cane villages (previous posts). I have also had the opportunity to participate in Silent Worship at my second home, Fort Caswell. The theme of the serves was “From the Cross to the World.” This service definitely hit home with me because I have such a passion and desire for my life to scream “From the Cross to the World.” A verse that has been resounding in my heart for the last few weeks is found in Acts 20:24: “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

As I am continuing to prepare to leave the United States and head to the Dominican Republic, I would ask that you would join me in prayer for the ministry that I am about to join. Pray that the students I am going to work with would have softened hearts to learn and hear the gospel. Pray that the Lord would continue to do a work in my own heart to remove the things that keep me from becoming more like Jesus. I would also pray that you would consider supporting my mission financially. I am currently at about 60% of the monthly support that I need to be able to serve in the DR for two years. If you would like more information about how you can join my mission, please email me at madison.c.wheeler@gmail.com or visit www.crossworld.org. Thank you once again for reading and I look forward to updating again soon! Stay tuned for an awesome video to come!

-Mads