I have been asking God to prepare me. Whatever it is He has planned for me; I have continually been asking Him to prepare me.
Already, I have seen my prayer being answered.
A few weeks ago at church, pastor Scott announced that 15 people were needed to go to Nicaragua to do missions work. He asked the church to prayerfully consider going.
God tugged on not only my heart, but my dad and sisters heart as well. So, after service, we went to the pastor and told him we were in and wanted to GO.
It was official, in two weeks, we were headed to Nicaragua- excited to travel and serve.
As a family, we prayed, preparing for the trip as much as we possibly could.
The two weeks were up, and it was time to take off! I honestly had no idea what it was we were going to do in Nicaragua. I missed both of the team meetings before the trip (due to work and family emergency in MD). I had no idea who all was going on the trip with us, so really, I was jumping into the unknown.
Were there thoughts of doubt and excuses? Yes.
But still, my prayer was “God prepare me.”
Well. Here I am. Back in Knoxville, TN. The week in Nicaragua has come and gone, and MAN am I overwhelmed. I met so many wonderful people in my own church family, and was impacted by each individual on the team.
Ever since we left Nicaragua, my mind has been replaying the many miracles we encountered the past seven days. I don’t even know where to begin…
72 lost, confused, broken, hurt, and desperate people heard the good news of Jesus and accepted Christ into their hearts!! To God be the glory.
I was a little nervous at first when I found out that we were traveling (by boat) to little islands, going into people’s homes, and literally sharing the gospel with people we didn’t know.
But as the week progressed, I learned the power of the gospel. God prepared the path before us. He knew what was to come. He prepared the hearts of those people, softening any strongholds. In the dirt and filth, He met us there.
I saw confused people eagerly ask us questions, just waiting to hear the truth. We were Gods tools, called to go and plant the seeds in these people’s hearts. He used us as vessels to lead others to Him. Wow!!
I didn’t have to worry about “saying the right words” or “following specific steps”…because He had His way in us. The Holy Spirit led us, and we knew enough. Knowing what Jesus did for us on the cross, and in our own lives, was enough.
Isaiah chapter 45 talks about how God is already ahead of us. He is taking bumpy roads, clearing obstacles, and is paving the way. Our prayer all week was that God would use us to cut through the bars of iron, breaking down those medal doors, giving us access into places of brokenness.
He wants to cover our sins, and show us Grace. He offers us each a free gift, and we are just here to receive it. We all have free will to accept this gift. In no way does God demand us to accept His gift of eternal life; but of course, He wants nothing more.
There were many people that we talked to who did not accept Jesus into their hearts. And still, I can picture the brokenness in their eyes. Many were tied to relationships, who were being controlled by their partner or spouse, many were lost and caught up in the confusion of religion or rituals, and many just wanted nothing to do with anything spiritual. A lot like many of us here, in the United States.
I am very sad for those who are holding on to those strongholds- however I do have hope and peace, because they now have heard the truth. God will always be there waiting; my prayer is that they will reach for and cling to His truth. We cannot force others to accept Gods gift- but we can do what He has called us to do- share with others the good news, planting seeds. He is waiting, with His arms wide open.
If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus into your life, maybe you are confused, with feelings of doubt…I would love to share with you what God has done in my life and what He can do for you too.
I am so humbled through this experience. The fact that God chose me- a girl who is not perfect in any way, to share the gospel with those people in Nicaragua. I had the opportunity to share my personal story with others, telling them that I once was lost. I once felt worthless. I once was empty. I once had no hope and no joy.
But because of HIS GRACE, I have been saved. I am full, and I know He will never leave me.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
I have gone through many trials, but all along, He has carried me. I can go in confidence, because “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
So all of that being said, I have seen God prepare. And I know He will continue to prepare.
As the days quickly go by, and as the world race approaches, this will still be my prayer…
“Lord, prepare me; prepare the path before me.”
