During my time at Wilderness, before we went on trail each week we took a few minutes to sit in a circle, step back from all the little things that needed to happen before we left and share the stirrings of our hearts going into the week. So, here I am sitting in my Crazy Creek on the floor of a busy airport, wanting to share a bit of my heart with you. In the midst of a year that has so much to hold, it is hard to wrap my mind about what this year has in store for my squad and me, but here are a few things I have pinned down.
Fears
-That this year I will rely too much on my ability and desire to help and serve that I will miss what God is trying to do through me, not what I can do on my own.
-That I won’t be able to love people state side well from across the world.
-I don’t want to be caught up in looking ahead, to the next day, week, month, or year.
-That the things I am missing back home will distract me from the importance of what I am doing.
-Riding in cars in crazy traffic while I’m still a little jumpy from my accident
-Fundraising while on the field without internet the first 3 months
Hopes (Confident Expectations)
-My heart will be utterly wrecked for the world and the people in it. That I will have more and more of God’s eyes and heart for the world.
-Many people will hear the name of Jesus for the first time and desire a relationship with Him. And that in that the Lord will speak through us so we can communicate the Gospel clearly and personally to each person.
-The people we encounter will feel loved, respected, seen, valued, and known.
-I will be humbled and made aware of areas in my life that entitlement has changed the stature of my heart and thoughts
-I will grow in boldness that isn’t dependent on my comfort
-My understanding of what it means to follow Jesus with grow deeper
-To have day to day provision from the Lord to get what we need, not just what I want
-To learn how to be still, heart, mind, body, and soul in the presence of the Lord
-To trust the Lord in each moment and with my heart
I could list many many more hopes I have for this year, but I am sure that the Lord is going to blow them out of the water anyway, so I anticipate big stories ahead. However, in this little list I would like to invite you in to this with me, to pray over my Hopes and Fears throughout these next 11 months, and even more so to pour prayer over my ministry and each heart we will encounter this year.
I leave today for Côte d’Ivoire, Africa, so, you most likely won’t hear from me for awhile. I hope each person reading this knows they are loved and how much I appreciate you checking in!
All my heart,
Michaela
