Written on April 14th
As I’m traveling six hours to see Victoria Falls, I’ve been praying about what to write for this blog. The thought of asking someone to write a blog for me crossed my mind and the idea of writing a funny blog popped into my head too. But, this blog is going to be about what I’m currently going through and vulnerable, because I was trying my best to avoid what God wants me to share with all of you.
Before I begin, I’m reminded of what one of my teammates said once- “I will do it again even if it just impacts one person, just kidding, I will do it again because God told me to do so”. It’s my prayer God will use my experience and words to encourage one person. But if no one is encouraged, I’m proud I listened to my Heavenly Father.
Last month God told me to prepare for a hard month. When I heard this three weeks ago, it made sense because it’s my brother’s birthday month.
With a few more days in Zimbabwe, as I reflect on all that has happened I’m blown away that my God cares for me so much that He was preparing me to miss Brandon’s birthday and more.
To explain but not go into too much detail, I’ve experienced sleepless nights and outbursts of tears. It seemed like Satan was trying to attach me from every aspect of my life.
However, God cast Satan out of my life through His word and creation!
I’m in the process of reading the Bible in a year and it was impeccable timing, by God, for me to read Deuteronomy, Joshua, Luke, Psalms, and Proverbs. If I’m honest, the Old Testament was difficult for me to understand and connect with, but the last chapters of Deuteronomy and beginning of Joshua were what spoke to me the most. It’s amazing how God’s word was applicable then and is applicable now!
We have been living on the outskirts of town and wow, the sky is literally breathtaking! I’ve loved watching the sunrise on my morning runs and I’ve been speechless when the sunsets. Every morning and day it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. One morning after a restless night, I stepped outside to begin my run and the overcast was so bad I couldn’t see the sunrise. I noticed I was really disappointed that I couldn’t see the sunrise, so I brought it to God and what He told me is something I want to remember forever- “I am the light and the clouds are the trials of life. You can’t see the light but I am still here. I’m actually closer than the sunrise because I’m in you. Even though there are a lot of clouds and trials right now, I will shine through you.”
I can confidently say I would have quit and gone home if I didn’t have God in my life. God is the one who changed my perspective. God is the one who gave me perseverance.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” -Romans 5:3
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have a wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is revealed to all the world” -1 Peter 4:12-13
To conclude I want to encourage anyone who is going through a challenging season. Turn to your Ultimate Comforter in prayer. Ask Him what He’s teaching you and how He’s going to get you through the trial. I promise you He is teaching you something and He will get you through it. Your perspective and where you’re getting your perseverance is so important! I learned that this month and will continue for the rest of my life.
Much love,
Brittany
