In the world, but not of the world...

            Tomorrow starts my last week here in Phoenix.  Saturday the 21^st at 7:15 I’ll be boarding my plane on the way to Samarqand, Uzbekistan.  For me, the last 6 weeks have flown by.  I still feel like I just got here and am ready to start from the beginning.  On the other hand, I’ve never had to learn so much in six short weeks.  I’ve come from having absolutely no knowledge of Farsi (the language I’m learning) to being able to have a full conversation and write just about anything.  At some point, though, one needs to get out of the classroom and put what he’s learned to good use.

            If you would have told me 6 months ago that I’d be spending a month overseas in the heart of the middle east, I’d say you were crazy.  I don’t think the fact that I’ll be over 7,000 miles away will hit me until I actually get there.  We’re going to be staying a nice hotel over there, but that is by Uzbekistan standards so we’ll have to wait and see.  We’re only allowed to bring about 15 pounds in our carry-on and we’re not allowed to check a bag so I’ll be packing extremely light to say the least.  I’ll have a week’s worth of clothing with me if I’m lucky.  It’s more than likely going to be uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and hot, but I look forward to the challenge.  If we never try new things we miss out on a lot of what God has planned for us.

            Living here in Phoenix has also posed its fair share of challenges; mentally, physically, and spiritually.  I believe one thing God has shown me while during my stay here is how to be “in the world” and not “of the world”.  To my knowledge, there is only one other person here that shares the same beliefs as me.  Although the people here are generally good people, their worldview is in stark contrast of what I hope to emulate.  An obsession with partying, alcohol, and sex pervades their thinking.  On the weekends, it is not a question of whether or not they will go out and get drunk, it is a question of when, where, and how much.  In a way, I am glad that I had the chance to be around these types of people.  Although that may sound questionable at first, I don’t believe it is.  Seeing my peers from all areas of the country and all walks of life has opened my eyes to see just how much the US Military is in need of Jesus.  If mere cadets are like this now, I know I am going to have my work cut out for me once I reach active duty.  It is something I have known, but never truly taken to heart until now.  I’ve always viewed the military as a mission field, but never seen it with my own eyes.  It is full of people who are searching for something more in life.  They may not know it, but when they’re passed out and hung over the next morning, they feel it in their heart.  I believe it is my duty as an officer, but more importantly as a follower of Jesus, to prepare myself to lead those men and women entrusted to me.  In John 17 Jesus prayed,

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.  For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

We are expected to associate with people in the world; to build relationships with them.  However, we are also required to show them the love of Jesus in everything we do.  We have the answer that so many people desperately need.

            Next time I post it will be from Uzbekistan.  I hope you are all doing well I look forward to seeing you when I get back!

-Micah