Dependence.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Throughout my life I have always been that person who seeks independence and likes to do things my way without listening to others. Stubborn to say the least. Shortly after launch, I quickly came to the realization that this journey is not something that can just rely on my flesh alone. Everyday I wake up here, I know that I have to put my complete trust in the Lord for the day. It’s easy to get discouraged or just simply not being motivated, but as I pray and seek His will.. soon enough He picks me up like always. This is something that I struggled with comprehending back home. To be honest, it’s somewhat easy to live in the States without Jesus (your life might be a mess but you’re comfortable), you don’t necessarily have to rely on Him with your life depending on it like much of the locals here in eSwatini do. From what I’ve experienced people tend to seek the Lord when needing something for themselves. Once you get over your own selfish ambition, and realize that knowing Jesus is more than a cry for help or something to practice when convenient the results are absolutely incredible. Just like any relationship, the more you communicate with that person the more your relationship will grow. As I walk with Jesus and talk to Him throughout the day, our relationship continues to flourish. I am completely dependent on Him, which has to be the most comforting feeling I’ve experienced.
Patience.
Colossians 1:11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so that you will have the endurance and patience you need.
I titled this section patience but it could easily be labeled “being still” as well. I find myself constantly looking forward to the next season of my life so much that I completely miss out on making the most out of the present. These past few weeks have been filled with much planning with college decisions and paths to take post world race. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, but I have to find that healthy balance where I can plan efficiently while not wishing away my year of traveling and serving the Lord overseas. Patience easily goes well with dependence. As I look forward to reuniting with my family, church family, friends, and everything that awaits me back home. I cannot get over infatuated by this idea. How often will I get to wake up in Africa? To go into prisons to preach the Word, to play tag with Swazi children, to spend every day with 6 other brothers who consistently push me to grow. The Lord is giving me the patience & endurance needed in order to make the most of the days that I have the privilege of living here.
Joy.
Proverbs 8:32 And so my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
This is the result from finding patience and fully depending on the Lord. I have found so much joy in ministry recently. Whether that be from having a Holy Spirit worship party session in a prison with the inmates I now call my brothers in Christ, or from teaching and loving on these wonderful children at our care point. The Lord continues to soften my heart for these people (going to be difficult to leave). Nothing can compare to joy that comes from serving Jesus. Ministry has been excellent, but we have also had other great opportunities as well. We had a little men retreat last weekend to go rafting on one of our off days. One of the best days of my life. The day consisted of rafting over waterfalls, flipping over rapids, and just laughing endlessly with my brothers. It will go down as one of those days that you just never forget. While yes, ministry and white water rafting can be so joyous, I have also found joy in the little things. I wake up early completely stoked for morning devotions getting to spend time in the Word while spending time in prayer. It sounds somewhat bad, but I never knew I would actually find joy in reading scripture or even praying. When I lived a worldly life I thought being a Christian was somewhat dull and uneventful, boy was I wrong.
Thanks again, for taking time out of your day to read my blog. If you would like to reach out to me feel free to send a message on Facebook , or an email ([email protected]). God bless!!
