The other day I was reading the story of the Israelites conquest into Jericho from Joshua. I got to the part where the Lord parted the Jordan River so that the Ark of the Covenant and the whole nation of Israel could pass through on dry ground.
First of all, that is crazy!! Could you imagine seeing a river just stop flowing?! And for the record, the Jordan is not a small creek. I did some research and here are some statistics: the Jordan ranges from 1,300-10,000ft wide and 50-200ft deep. THAT IS A HUGE RIVER!!!! And God just stopped the flow, and let his people cross through on dry ground. Casual.
Joshua addresses Israel and says, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever” (Joshua 4:5-7, ESV).
And again, in verses 20-24 he says, “And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever” (ESV).
I loved that. Every time someone asked the significance of these stones, the people of Israel would have a chance to testify to the faithfulness and power of God. So, I started thinking about my own life, and realized that so often I forget to set down these proverbial ‘stones of remembrance’ when God does something amazing.
So in that spirit, here are a few amazing things that God has done in these past 5 months. These are my stones of remembrance to His faithfulness, power, grace, sovereignty, and relentless love.
. . .
I have seen so much provision from the Lord, and so much generosity from people as I walked through the fundraising for the World Race. The fact that I was able to raise the entirety of the funds even before I launched in August is a HUGE testament to how big God is. There is no way I would have been able to do that on my own accord. #Godismybank!!!!
I have experienced the most amazing community of believers. During some of the more broken times in my life, they have unconditionally loved me and walked with me toward redemption. I am so thankful for the life-long friendships that have been born out of this experience.
God showed me that ministry is a lifestyle, not a place. Every moment of every day can be ministry if you allow it to be.
I saw the Lord use me in Nepal to share the gospel with people simply because I am from America. Had I not been a foreigner, many people would not have heard the good news of Jesus.
I experienced firsthand how the Lord invites us into his plan for the world.
I have seen countless miracles. So many that I’ve just begun to expect them as I’m praying.
I realized that I am a living, breathing divine appointment because Christ lives inside of me. I am literally giving people an encounter with God as I meet and talk with them. How cool?!
God showed me the importance of the seasons where we are planting seeds. He showed me that those seasons are as beautiful as personally walking someone into the Kingdom.
I have seen the beauty and healing that comes from authentic vulnerability.
Like never before in my life, I have heard the Lord beckon me into His presence. He doesn’t ask me to perform for Him, He just asks me to be with Him.
I have seen answered prayers.
I’ve learned that emotions are a good thing!! Extreme happiness, extreme sadness, and all the emotions in between can be used for God’s glory. He welcomes our emotions!!!
I had some of the most amazing hosts in Thailand. Their hospitality and community is something that I will never forget. (PJ, PA, Bom, Hua, Bye, Matti…I miss you guys!!)
I experienced reconciliation of broken relationships.
I have been reminded that a relationship with God is the only one that will never let you down. He is always waiting with open arms for me and for you.
God has shown me the meaning of living in fullness. (Blog about this coming soon J)
I’ve been repeatedly reminded that my best self comes from understanding my identity in Christ and nothing else.
Jesus + nothing = everything. It really does.
I’ve learned that you can do things for God while not actually doing things with Him. But doing good things while also being in communion with Him is much more fulfilling.
My life is meant to be lived for an audience of One. I am not here for me, for you reading this blog, or really for anyone else. I am here to bring glory to the One who deserves it.
