No, I haven’t been watching soap operas in Tanzania. I’ve just had to take a step back lately and realize that this is the life I am living (it seems like a dream sometimes). That when I am street preaching in a market or knocking on someones door to tell them about Jesus or getting used to the interesting food in every country I go to that this is the season of life that God has placed me in. It is a unique season, but a season that He has called me to nonetheless. I think I have come to realize and appreciate that sometimes every thing doesn’t have to look glamourous when we are truly bringing Kingdom to where we are, whether that is being a missionary in another country or working in the corporate world back home. God puts us in specific places to do specific things to reach specific people. I believe that with everything inside of me because His plan has led me to an incredible place with Him that only He could have orchestrated.
I’ve also been thinking about my plans when I get back home (which I’m still not sure of yet) and realizing that I will be soon be shifting to a new season or phase of life. One that is not any better or any worse than the one I am in now, just different. I know my heart is still in Southeast Asia (particularly in Thailand and Cambodia), but I don’t know when or how God will call me back there. I see my passion for that area being something that is not in my immediate future, but one that will be used in years to come. I really wish you could see directly into my thoughts because you would see so many things that God has allowed me to experience and be a part of this year. You would see how this world has brought me to so many places of brokeness and how there are so many people that are desperate to hear of a Savior that will truly rescue them from the darkness that is in this broken world. It amazes me when we meet people who have NEVER heard of the name of Jesus before…that blows my mind. You would also see how my focus has shifted from what I can do to what God can do. I am truly after what is in His heart and want to follow that as much as I can.
I was fasting the other day and took a walk around the area that we are staying in now to spend some alone time with God (I really love the scenery here…the mountains are gorgeous around us). I have been longing to hear God’s voice more audibly in my life lately, and all of the sudden, I got a verse in my head…Isaiah 43:2, which says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” It was so great to read that in the moment and feel that connection with God get so much stronger. I really have never gotten a verse like that before, and if I have, I have thought it was only my mind playing tricks on me, but I knew it was truly my Father in heaven encouraging me through His Word. Thinking about the future can genuinely scare me sometimes and I know it can scare a lot of us because we don’t know what is to come next, but this verse promises that no matter how treacherous the obstacles may seem, God is truly with us. It may be rough, but He will never let us drown or get burned if we are truly following Him….whether if it’s carrying bamboo through a leech invested jungle in Malaysia or spending time with a widow in Tanzania.
I am glad that God has allowed me to take a step back and marvel at His plan and creation. It amazes me how much He truly cares about my life (and all of our lives) and how much He blesses me…I could write pages about His blessings over the course of this year. Just having food and clean water are blessings enough quite honestly…I didn’t say my favorite food either, just having something to eat is awesome. Those are definitely things I will not take for granted anymore. Seriously, thank God right now for every little blessing He has given you. We have a Father that cares so much for us that He humbled himself in human form to die on a cross for us…that is a crazy type of love. Pray that God would continue to reveal Himself to me and that these last forty-something days would be very spirit filled and amazing.
