Belize was the hardest month for me. It was challenging in a lot of ways. It was very emotionally draining and I felt hurt in a lot of ways. But God was/is working on my heart and is using these moments to create me in who He wants me to be.
I don’t want to go into details, but I will briefly share what God taught me this month.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13, 14
God was telling/teaching me to stand firm, to stand firm in faith, to stand firm in obedience to Him. Even if it means I’m the only one with this specific conviction. People can easily stand firm in what they believe, but doing it in LOVE is a bit harder. And if there isn’t love, then what are the motives in standing firm? God showed me how to have love, how to stand firm in obedience to Him in LOVE while at the same time understanding other perspectives. It was a very hard lesson to learn. And I’m still learning it. I think this is a struggle for many Christians out there who have different convictions. It is very easy for me to judge people who has different convictions and if I’m judging (which I have no right too) then there really isn’t room for love.
Another thing that I learned was to let go. I was reminded of a line in a song- “I will climb this mountain with my hands wide open.” As God was telling me to stand firm, He also told me to be willing to let go and respect the decision others made. He showed me how to be obedient to Him while at the same time letting go of what I thought (based on my convictions) should be done and respect others despite the disagreement. And when God says to let go, He means to let go of EVERYTHING. It was a very humbling experience. He did eventually give me peace about the decision that was made. I know God had a plan in all of this and that His purpose was done.
I am so thankful for this month and what God has taught me and how He used those around me to teach me these things. It was hard, yes. But in my mind, the harder things are, the better the reward is. 🙂
This next month we will be serving in Florida! My team will be working with a ministry called “Faith in Action” which is also connected with “Hope, South Florida” We will be working with the homeless people in Ft. Lauderdale, mainly with the women and children. The other two teams will also be in Ft. Lauderdale, but working with different ministries.
I also have my flight ticket for home! I fly home on Nov. 20th I am so excited and ready to see my family and friends, but I’m working hard on being in the present because I know that I will miss WR life and my squad. I want to make the most of every opportunity and serve with everything I got. My plan is to arrive home completely exhausted and worn out. It’s the finish line. Time to push harder and finish strong.
Thank you for your prayers and support!! Please pray for safety as we fly to the USA on the 29th! Also, would you pray that as I continue to process this past month and go into month 11 that I would be teachable and continue to grow and stand firm in LOVE?
