One week, one purpose

I can’t believe it, but it seems the time has finally come.  In exactly 7 days from the moment I am writing this blog, I will be on an airplane headed to NYC to meet up with my squad.  In exactly 7 days and 12 hours, we will be on an airplane headed for India.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this trip.  I guess that is to be expected as it will be the entire next year of my life (quite overwhelming when you think of it).  Part of me is so excited to go on this journey to serve the Lord and represent His hands and feet through service and sharing the Gospel.  That same part is thrilled to put aside the surmountable blessings and comforts in my life here in America and learn to live without. However, as the clock continues to wind down, my other half is starting to get nervous.  I start thinking, “Do I have what it takes? What if something happens to me? What if something happens at home and I’m not there? I hate cold showers and am very attached to my privacy… how will I make it?” I find that it is easy to let in the worry and the anxiety if I let it.  But then God reminded me of the promises he has made to us:

“All good things come to those who love the Lord and have been called according to His purpose”

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will”  

I’m currently reading a book by John Bevere called “Honor’s Reward”.  It has been an eye opening read.  One of the chapters talks about the blessings and promises the Lord has made to us and how they are readily available to us, but you must first do what is necessary to receive them.  He says, “God is not automatic; they (his blessings/promises) must be acquired by faith”.  He then continues to explain using biblical examples.  So I got to thinking, If God is making me the above scriptural promises, then I must first earn those promises by having faith in the one who made them.  Matthew 6: 31-33 says, 

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all theses things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

He has made these promises, and it is my job to believe that he is not only capable of fulfilling them, but also that he wants to fulfill them in my life.  And in order to receive them, I must follow the words of Jesus in Matthew 6 and not worry about the things to come over the next year.  I know that he has called me, and he will meet my needs and fulfill his promises if I first fulfill mine.  It is my job to focus on the purpose and the calling and be obedient.  I believe I am ready to do that.  Am I physically ready and packed to go? Nope! But I’m pretty confident that I am spiritually and mentally ready to take on this venture.  

 I just wanted to take this time to thank all of my financial supporters and prayer warriors.  I have been so blessed to have you in my life and am thankful for all you have done for me and for God’s Kingdom.  About a month ago I received an anonymous donation for $250 donation.  I just want to thank that person here today for their support and for encouraging me to keep up with my goal. 

I have currently raised $6,800 thus far, leaving me $7,500 left to raise while I’m away.  If you would like to support me on this journey, CLICK HERE to donate online.  Any amount is greatly appreciated!  In addition to my blog, I will also be sending out monthly newsletters about the previous country and what God did through our team there.  All of my supporters will receive this newsletter.