One Week to Go!

Last night was one of the best AfterROCs in a long time, if not ever. (AfterROC is the time after our Bible study the ROC in which we'll have worship, prayer, a testimony, or something else. It changes unlike the study and is a smaller group so we get a little more intimate.) We took communion last night and had an amazing worship session. In preparation for this night of communion, a good friend asked me to pray for him to be brought back to and broken over the cross, and as I did that this week I felt myself having the same heart. I was reminded of how central it is to everything. Many years ago I think I viewed the gospel as basic and in my pride of intellect I wanted to move on from it and dive deeper. But what I've come to realize is how much depth there is to the cross, it's not basic, it's not only foundational, but it is everything. You see the gospel all throughout scripture. It can all be brought back to the cross. John Piper once said, "The wisdom of God devised a way for the love of God to deliver sinners from the wrath of God while not compromising the righteousness of God."All of those characteristics of God, fully there, perfectly working together although they would seem to us to contradict, are found at the cross. I never want to "move on" from the cross. I never want to stop remembering it. There is no greater blessing or joy. I love that God had been teaching me this right before we took communion together for the first time at the ROC. It was probably the most amazing worship/prayer/communion time I've ever experienced. As I discussed my excitement for the cross with another bestie last night, he suggested a book, The Cross of Christ, and is going to let me borrow it. He's pretty legit and I know this is going to be a great read! Can't wait!! What an amazing thing for God to get me passionate about right before He sends me out to share the gospel!
Last night it really hit me that I'm coming up on the one year mark of the most amazing time in my life, so far. God has stretched me, grown me, broken me, taught me, and blessed me more than any other time in my life. I know it's only the beginning! Last year my birthday (July 15th) was the start of one of the most important friendships of my life. This friendship has not only been amazing in and of itself, but this friend also brought me into so much ministry and introduced me to so many of the best friends I've ever had. Last year's birthday was the mark of a complete change in my whole world. I never thought it could be topped. Until now. This birthday will be my last full day in Lille, France. My heart's desire is to see someone come to Christ. This is my prayer. I think this birthday will mark a new chapter in my life. Last year was my time to grow immensely, to be trained up, to be blessed beyond belief, and to be used to minister to and disciple other believers. I think this next year is the start of using me in bringing the gospel and all God's healing power to a dark, lost, and broken world. After all, what other response to I have after so much healing and redemption? :)