Money is hard, it’s an area of tension is most people’s life.
One of the most difficult things about the race is that there are a lot of things that are out of our control. Ministry placements and locations are two of the main things. When we fundraised for this trip, the money covered all housing, food, and transportation to and from ministry. This money didn’t included that coffee at the cafe next door, or the uber ride for adventures or the adventure itself.
Going into month 9 in Panama, I set my budget at $0. No extra snack food, no adventures, no extra transportation. Sounds difficult, right? It was.
I’m not here to complain about this situation, but to bring light to the fruitfulness that came from it.
Most days were the same: wake up at 5am to run for an hour, eat the same oatmeal for breakfast, quiet time for an hour. After ministry, I’d have the same lunch and dinner. There were many nights when I had to turn dinners away or mornings that I couldn’t go to coffee shops. I was forced to hold myself to this strict discipline schedule because I couldn’y afford anything. When people left to do adventures, I was left to a quiet home. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. I was able to read my bible with minimal distractions and grow so much closer to the Lord.
The biggest thing I learned was that through all the disciple this month held, I experienced so much FREEDOM.
Since Nicaragua, I’ve been expereincing freedom in the areas that I held myself most accountable. The idea of discipline seems restricting, but it’s felt nothing but restricting. I’ve learned to create healthy habits and found joy in the process.
Because I was disciplined in my eating and work out habits, I experience freedom and stopped making excuses for how I felt about myself. BUT because I created good habits in these two areas, I emotionally felt better and my faith life increases because of it. Because I was disciplined in spending money, I exeperienced more intamcy with God and felt more FREE because God loves me so much.
It’s a roundabout circle. When we experience freedom in one or two of the areas, it begins to overflow into others. Physically, emotionaly, finacially, and spiritually.
Although, I was super disciplined this month not by my own choice, I’m thankful that I was because everyday I learned a little bit more about who God is and who I am in God.
In the beginning, discipline seems difficult, but has there ever been a time when the disciple wasn’t worth it?
Start today. Because it will also be worth it.
