Do not be anxious about anything. – Phil. 4:6
Comforting words as I board a flight bound for Seoul, South Korea. Leaving family behind produces anxious moments but I look forward to the experience of learning from my Korean brothers and sisters. Bishop Young Jin Cho leads a group from our area every year. It’s an honor to accompany him. At the same time, as an inexperienced traveler, I confess to feeling anxious. But God says:
“Do not be anxious about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:6-7
• Do not be anxious.
• Instead, pray.
• Tell God what you need.
• Thank him for all he has done.
• You will experience God’s peace.
• His peace will guard your heart and mind.
I need to replace my anxiousness with prayer. Then, experience and enjoy God’s peace which will guard my heart and mind as I live in Christ Jesus. With these words of comfort, I need to calm down and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.
I need to replace my anxiousness with anticipation as I ask: “What can I learn about Korea?”
“Korea is a shrimp between whales,” as described in a Korean proverb. In addition to the separation between North and South, Korea is surrounded by the whales of China, Russia and Japan. South Korea combines Confucian and Buddhist traditions with the modernity that makes it one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations.” — Insight Guides
We will be the guests of Bupyeong Methodist Church in Incheon, near Seoul. “The teeming, high-rise, high-energy configuration of the capital, Seoul, is home to 11 million people and a global leader in cutting-edge computer technology, yet Seoul is also a centuries-old city with a rich history, with the traditions of the old Joseon dynasties surviving amid the clamor.” — Insight Guides
Rob Colwell, a fellow traveler wrote: “I look forward to visiting this large and growing community of faith that practices radical hospitality to many groups every year. We pay for the airfare, but the lodging, food, and local travel expenses are covered by the church. This is done as a humble gesture saying “Thank You,” to the church in America for sending missionaries to Korea. Imagine the cost of 30 people, 10 times a year and you have a glimpse of the depths of their deep appreciation. That’s not only radical, but extreme hospitality!”
As a part of our experience, we will participate in a 5:00 AM prayer service attended by hundreds every day, seven days a week. We will work in a food pantry and do other mission work as well as visit churches, memorials, palaces and other historical sites. On Sunday we will join Bupyeong Methodist Church in worship where our group will attempt to sing a famous Christian hymn, “Blessed Assurance” in Korean. Watching our Southern American group attempt to sing in Korean should be humorous.
Are you facing a new or difficult experience? “Do not be anxious. Instead, pray. Tell God what you need. Thank him for all he has done. You will experience God’s peace. His peace will guard your heart and mind.” God’s promise for you and for me.
I look forward to sharing our experiences in Korea. You can “Like” my devotional Facebook page, “Sowing Seeds of Faith” or sign up to receive devotional emails at SowingSeedsofFaith.com.
