PØRTRAITS // Morag

I had the pleasure to sit down over coffee to chat with Morag about what it means to follow Jesus, to live on mission and discuss the ways she lives her life as a visible portrait of Jesus to her world. Here’s what she had to say…

Portraits Series inspiration: Jesus is the most revolutionary person to have ever lived, and if people can see Jesus for who He truly is, their lives will be radically changed. Colossians 1:15, says that Jesus is the visible portrait of the invisible God. Today, in the absence of the person of Jesus on Earth, we as Christians play a vital role in living on mission (through the Holy Spirit) and pointing people to Jesus by being visible portraits of Jesus to our world.

How long have you been a Christian?

18 years.

Who/What inspires you?

Lots of things; people living their lives passionate after God, Jesus, leaders that I admire and people that are faithful to what God has called them to do and be.

Why did you choose Jesus?

I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t know Him. I had a connection with Him when I was younger but never really held a strong faith of my own. I saw Him as a God of rules and decided I didn’t want that any more for my life so I walked away from God. Occasionally when I would feel particularly down I would talk to God and ask Him to help me. I didn’t realise how sad and without hope I had become. One night I had an encounter that changed the direction of my life. God showed me I wasn’t the woman He had created me to be and that I was allowing myself to be negatively changed by my circumstances and the choices I was making.

Who inspired you to choose Jesus, and why?

I had family members who would pray for me often, my nana told me she had been praying for me regularly and just before I made a decision to follow Jesus she had said to God she was sick of praying for me and not seeing any change. God told her not to give up and keep praying. I’m grateful that she did.

What has changed since choosing Jesus?

Everything! My outlook of life has changed. I have found hope and purpose. I used to have this physical pain in my heart that had been there for years, it was a weird heavy pain that was dull and was always hanging around. That pain left me when I chose Jesus. The joy that I had as a young girl returned, it was like I had a new lease of life. Jesus He showed me that I was not completely trusting Him. I spoke to Him one night and asked for forgiveness and to heal that in me, the next day everything was lighter and brighter, it was like the whole world had changed to colour. For days I was saying to people, look how bright the sky is!

What do you feel your specific calling is?

I am passionate about people coming to know Jesus everywhere! I never realised how much I loved the nations of the world until I started praying for the nations and going to different countries. I am called to reach the nations for Jesus. I’ve said to God many times, “here I am, send me!”

What role does trusting Jesus play in fulfilling that calling?

Everything! Without trust in Jesus, His promises, listening to the voice of God and recognising the prompting of the Holy Spirit I don’t want to go. There is a passage in the Bible in Exodus 33:15 where Moses says “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” I would say the same. Without God directing me, without the specifics and without Him going before me and with me — no way, I don’t want to go and I don’t want to do.

Why are you a part of a local church?

God loves the local church, and it’s in the local church where people meet together, grow, challenge one another, do life together and reach out to people. I look around the church I go to sometimes and have a little giggle to myself looking at all the different varieties of people, their particular styles and traits, and how different each person is. Those differences, the gifts, the talents, the variety is something to be celebrated, and that’s just in a gathering of a few hundred people.

Is ‘living on mission’ an important part of your faith, and why?

Yes absolutely! No questions about that. God wants me to enjoy life, relax and have fun but it’s never a time to switch off and tune out. My hope is that every part of my life is on mission and that everything I do is a reflection of that. I have to ask myself sometimes, “am I living with the fullness of joy that God has in store for me today?” I don’t always get it, I allow circumstances and situations to bring me down. In the times of waiting or hoping I can lose focus, but a quick adjustment shift of thinking and speaking fixes that.

How do you daily live on mission?

First and foremost, I need to hear from God. I spend time with Him daily, reading the Bible and praying. Throughout the day I talk to God, chatting with Him about the situations and circumstances I encounter, asking Him questions, talking to Him and getting direction. I like to stay ‘switched on’ to what He is saying in any moment at any time. When God speaks to me about doing something, talking to someone, acting a certain way I obey even when I don’t feel like it.

How would you encourage others to live on mission?

Hear from God and obey. If you don’t know what God is saying to you, ask yourself, “What is the last thing He said for you to do and have you done it? There’s no formula of how to do that. God wants you to be uniquely you, so ask God what it looks like for you and do it. He’s a God of fun, so don’t get too serious — be free, have fun and keep moving.

How has God been challenging you lately?

He’s always with me, and to enjoy the moment. At times we can be looking for the ‘what’s next’ or the calendar schedule but enjoy the now and the opportunities that present themselves.