Last week my team & team CIA got to go to Durrës for a little adventure day. On the bus ride there I got to spend some sweet time with the Lord & wrote some things that I’d like to share here. I was thinking about God’s perfect plan in where He specifically placed me. My original route was Global South, but because we didn’t have enough people we had to choose one of the other two routes. The options were Pacific Rim which is more South America & Africa or Expedition which is more Middle East & Asia. Honestly, I more so wanted to pick Pacific Rim because of Africa, but because the Lord has put South Asia on my heart I chose Expedition. Seeing the different things the other squad has been posting has sometimes had me wishing I was there because it looked like things that were more me, but the Lord had far greater plans for me. The Lord knew that I needed this route to take me into deeper relationship & understanding of Him. He knew that I had many things that needed to be worked on & that this route, that seems to be exactly opposite of what I would have chosen, was exactly what I needed. For far too long, I’ve been living an individualistic lifestyle. I’ve never had to live in a community setting where I would have to deal with hard things & learn how to work through them rather than being able to run away. This is the first time I’ve really had to learn what living selflessly truly means/looks like & honestly, I’m only just now beginning to understand that. Praise God for an amazing team who came around me even in my weakest & ugliest moments & still loved & pursued me. Sad thing is though that we’re now changing teams (side note, we’re also in our next country, KOSOVO!) & I’m just now getting this, but I know that there’s grace & room for new beginnings. I’m praying for a new outlook & better attitude with my next team. I’m praying against any negative thoughts & lies of the enemy & ask for your prayers in this area too. These past few months have been some of the hardest times for me lately, but I’m so grateful for them as I know the Lord is using them for good! He’s teaching me to fully rely on Him in everything & that no man can ever fully fill whatever it is I’m after. I’m also learning what true joy is. I thought I had joy, but am learning that maybe I had more happiness than true joy. This truly has been a season of growth for me & I’m looking forward to more of it.
2 Corinthians? ?12:9? ?
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Philippians? ?4:6-7? ?
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians? ?4:11-13?
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Matthew? ?11:28-29?
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
