Hello friends!
It has been so sweet to witness God’s faithfulness, kindness, and provision through His people during this whole process! I am SO, SO THANKFUL for each word of encouragement, every single prayer, and each financial gift! The April goal of $5,000 has been met! As of today, almost $7,000 has been raised to share the hope of Jesus!
In this season of life my Father has been teaching me about dependence and drawing close to Him. He has been teaching me that in the hard or uncomfortable times of life, we can try to do things on our own strength. We can also allow worry and life to overwhelm us. We may try to turn to certain things to find comfort, such as people’s approval, social media, food, isolation, or activities to fill us. The things we turn to may not be bad in and of themselves, but they aren’t the one we were made for and they aren’t worthy of our adoration. I have found that if they give me any comfort at all it only lasts for a moment. Instead of relying on our own strength and the temporary things in this world, we can turn to the Father and find true comfort, peace, joy, fulfillment and rest. As we turn to God in the uncomfortable times, we not only surrender to a power that is greater than anything else, but we get to grow in a deeper relationship with Him. We were created to be in a close relationship with the Father. Our fellowship with the Father was broken when we rebelled from Him and tried to follow our own ways. The Father sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem us and heal our relationship with the Father! When we give our lives to Jesus, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in us. Wow, we weren’t made to do this life on our own, y’all! I used to think independence was such an honorable thing, but I am learning that true dependence on the Father is what I was meant for. Dependence on the Father and close relationship with Him is what brings such unexplainable peace and joy in the midst of a life that constantly changes and is filled with battles. I am a visual person, so when I think of what it is like to be in a deep relationship with Jesus and dependent on Him, I think of the ocean. I see waves crashing against a tall, wooden post that is standing firm. The post is not moved one centimeter in the midst of the waves, not because it is the strongest or best wood in the world, but because it is grounded in something that is not of this world. How awesome is it that we get to ground ourselves in and rest in God?! He is the Prince of Peace, He is the Great I am, He is the beginning and the end, He is merciful, He is the Holy One, and so much more! If you are weary or feel overwhelmed by your situation, I just want you to know that you are seen by an amazing God. Just ask Him for help, He is faithful and can meet your deepest need. He took on your punishment, not so that you could do life on your own, but so that you could have true life with Him. As we depend on the Father and grow closer to Him, we get to witness more of His amazing power and love! His faithful love is truly better than life! (Ps. 62:3)
“I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:12-13
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7
“I am the the vine; you are the branches. The one who who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” John 15:5
“The man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30
Prayer requests:
Please pray that I would grow in deeper relationship with Jesus and turn to Him in every circumstance.
Please pray for my team as we prepare to leave and that we would be united in the love of Jesus.
Pray that Jesus be glorified!
*Thank you so much for reading! YOU ARE LOVED!*
