Bethany Well

**I’m not much of a blogger but I’ve been encouraged to contribute blogs on missions…and so I thought an entry about why I live for what I live for was a good way to introduce my mission blog…enjoy!

The only memory of a tragic event in my life is a 3″ scar on my belly. The scar serves as a reminder of God’s wonderful grace in my life. At the age of four, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition called, volvulus. The doctors told my parents that I (their firstborn) only had a 50/50 chance of surviving. That evening when I was in the operating room for five hours, my parents were advised by the surgeon to turn to the One who could help me. My dad frantically looked into the eyes of the surgeon and pleaded for this great physician’s name…to my father’s surprise, the surgeon replied back saying, “God”…and so out of desperation and without much hesitation, my parents ran to the chapel and spent the next five hours pleading with God for my life.

Fast forward : Obviously I survived the five hours of surgery and came out of it alive (praise GOD!)…growing up, I’d often ask the Lord, “Why? Why did you spare my life?” It was such a profound thought to me because I knew there was an answer for it. Upon applying to Wycliffe, my mother was the last person to be on board with the idea of me becoming a full-time missionary. The irony to this is that during those five hours in prayer while I was in surgery…my mother made a claim to God…she prayed Hannah’s prayer for my life (I Samuel 1:26-28). That if God would spare my life, she would offer me up to Him for His services!! It’s no wonder I’m on the course that I’m on!

When I took Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, I realized that this life of mine here on earth is not about me…it’s about God and His glory. Often times we throw ourselves pity parties or look for ways to increase our image and possessions, but I’ve come to realize that we as His creatures were simply created to live a life worshiping and glorifying Him. May He be Master over your life. Don’t let the temporal things of this world destroy you…receive His grace and His blessings and praise Him as a God of second chances.

“But seek first His and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Written by: bethanywell on July 16, 2008.