Living in constant community has been somewhat of a challenge.. to say the least. However, there have been times where it has been really fun and has produced a lot of good memories. I’ve had times of joy, laughter, sadness, and a lot of conversations to help shift perspective.
Lately, I’ve noticed the way that God uses my teammates to show me His character and the way He intentionally placed people around me to show me how He wants to treat me. Through these people I have seen the parallel of how God loves me, likes me, and wants me to thrive.
For instance, when I mess up, my teammates, will point out what I did and then explain to me in a loving and kind way how I could improve. I would imagine that God would treat each of us the exact same way; we mess up, He displays truth to us and tells us how much He loves us. God doesn’t want us to keep messing up. He points out our mistakes so we don’t keep making the same mistakes and continue to hurt ourselves and others, but He never ceases to love us. It’s like a parent acknowledging their kid tripped and fell and picking them up, dusting them off, and hugging and kissing them and telling them how to not fall again.
I find so many people that think God is upset with them, shaming them every time they mess up. Jesus took care of all of our mistakes when He died on the Cross. God is not mad at you, He loves you. Being in Christ means that you have Jesus’ righteousness and even when you mess up, God is still pleased with you. Yes, on this Earth there are consequences to actions and sin that will effect us, some in a greater way than others. But like I said, God is not mad at you, even when you mess up! God wants to empower, equip, and love you so that we don’t make the same mistakes again.
To get real technical about theology (which I don’t often do); to think that God is still mad at you for sin is under the Old Covenant when people had to sacrifice and work for God’s forgiveness. If you weren’t out in the field capturing up 3 lambs, 2 cows, and a goat to sacrifice then you were screwed! Now because of Jesus, we are under the New Covenant and God is not mad at your sin. Every sin was paid for on the cross.
So when I feel shame for making a mistake, that is not from God. That’s from Satan.
When I feel remorse or conviction for a mistake, that is from God, who is calling me higher.
Also, one of my teammates told me the other day, “I not only love you but I like you.” Do you know that God not only loves you, but He likes you too!? How cool is that?! God really likes you. He wants you to want to be around Him because He wants to be around you. Because He not only loves you, but he likes you also. He wants you to talk to Him about anything and everything!
Another way God shows Himself through my teammates is through my team leader, Savannah. She has this phrase that I absolutely love! She always says, “Live your best life.” I love this mindset and think this is exactly how God wants us to live. Every time I find myself struggling to make a decision, here comes Savannah, “Live your best life.” I love that!! It immediately changes my mindset and calls me to think higher, to a place of questioning, “How do I thrive?”
Do you know God wants you to thrive?? Like really thrive? What would it take for you to thrive daily?
I have found in order for me to thrive, sometimes I have to ask God to change my perspective and attitude. After I ask, I have to decide to actually change my perspective and attitude; but obedience is a different topic. I’ve had to push my constant fear of getting hurt aside and really share my life and love people here. I have had to surrender and re-surrender my life to God, which has brought the most freedom.
There have been many times on the race that I have not been thrilled about the situation I was in, but had to die to my flesh and say, “My life is yours, God.”
But really though, giving God my life has brought the most joy and freedom! Just trusting God, talking with Him, allowing Him to guide me instead of me to guide me. God has given me experiences that I could have never even thought to ask for.
Though the journey has not been easy and whether I choose to follow God or not, we will have trials in this life. However, I am encouraged by this scripture:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take hart! I have overcome the world.“ John 16:33
That verse reminds me of a quote by Zig Ziglar, ““Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
I want you to think about situations where you have been challenged, situations that made you uncomfortable or made you feel like you couldn’t do it on your own. Who did you look to? Did you look in a mirror, hoping to find an answer? Or did you look to the one place where there is always an answer to be found?
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I just got to Nicaragua yesterday. I will be living on an orphanage that’s on an island for the next 14 days. My team will be with another team during this time. Then we will meet back up with the whole squad.
Thank you for your support and prayers. I definitely could not do this without your support and prayers. I hope and pray you are doing well and thriving.
Sincerely,
Amanda
