If I had to choose to words to describe this month it would be joy and peace. Last month working through patience, God was preparing me for this month in the Philippines and he led me into an area to grow in peace. Truly seeking peace in all situations, especially the chaotic ones.
This month I was asked to step into a team leader position. I was excited, and a bit nervous for this new season God was walking me into on the Race. We had a new team, and we were headed to a new continent- Asia! We are located in the mountains of San Mateo getting to serve at Grow International Ministries. We are working alongside another team to serve this month by doing different chores, cooking, farming, and helping with a camp for street kids. This month so far has been one of my favorites. It has had some challenging moments, but there has been so much joy in doing ministry here. The Filipino people are so incredibly nice and welcoming. I love getting to hangout and get to know them- they are amazing 
The Philippines has taken a piece of my heart.
Peace was a word that was repeatedly shared with me that I needed to work on. It’s so neat how God works, and how He teaches us one thing in order to be ready to grow in the next area He has for us.
I could feel the enemy trying to put things in my path that would steal my joy. I had to fight for joy and keep choosing it, not letting things steal it. You know you are doing something right when the devil starts to attack. He tries to cause division, frustration, and miscommunication, basically anything that can cause one to lose the joy & peace they have. This was a huge area of growth for me. I need to trust God, and press into him, seeking the peace he offers. God wants us to see the good in situations, choosing the good & the growth over sitting in frustration is what causes us to grow. When things get hard I have to choose not to give up, but to press in. Not letting frustration, comparison, insecurities, or fear steal my joy. I want my life to overflow with joy and love- in all conversations, ministry, relationships, and in all things.
I was reminded of Hebrews 12: 1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” This is one of my favorite verses right now. There is such truth and power behind these verses. I need to choose to throw off things that hinder my walk. I need to choose Jesus and trust Him. God has been teaching me to always trust & rely on him because with Him I can get through anything. Always fix our eyes on Jesus. I have seen and felt the joy and peace that God freely gives when I fix my eyes on Him. Life is hard. Living in community is hard. Conversations can be hard. Hard parts of life are a part of growth. There is goodness in growth. God cares enough about us to challenge us and continually grow us to be more like him. I pray for those opportunities. I wouldn’t trade any of the hardest moments so far in my life because I am better off growing and learning to be more like Jesus than being complacent and not growing.
The most rewarding months are always the toughest, but there is so much growth and goodness that comes from it. Sometimes I wonder why things have to be so hard sometimes, and why we go through the challenges we do. Then I remember that I asked God to be challenged. I am always asking him to grow me, and here I am in the middle of growth. Having joy and peace doesn’t always come easy, I have to fight for it, and I would choose to fight for it over and over again. Some days are easier, but I am still learning what it looks like to truly seek God’s peace and let it rule in my heart.
Here is a verse God gave to me to remind me of the peace I need to seek after. I hope it encourages you to seek peace in areas of your life you may need it.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
