I wasn’t able to post in Vietnam so these next few will be about my time there and then I will start sharing about my time in South Africa!
On the Race, it can be hard to see past all of the things I cant do. I cant change the fact that so many kids are living without parents. I cant change the fact that so many girls are being used and abused. I cant change the fact that so many children and adults living with disabilities dont have the resources they need. In one month there is not much I can do to change these harsh realities, especially when I cant talk about Jesus.
But in these times of frustration, when I struggle to see past the problems and see past the hurt, God is so gracious with me. He nudges me, He encourages me, and He shows me what I can do.
I can bring smiles. I can bring hugs. I can bring love. And even more I can bring hope. Hope is so great in these situations because as I have fun with the kids Im loving on this month, hope can take root in their hearts.
Hope allows them to believe there is more for them in life than what their past has shown them. Hope lets them dream. Hope stays with them long after Ive gone.
In my life, hope builds my confidence to fight for solutions to the problems I see. Hope reminds me that God is redeeming and restoring the dark places in the world. Hope pushes me to bring the good news of Jesus to people whove never heard it or just need to hear it again. Hope keeps me moving towards the purpose God is giving my life.
I want to enter each day hopeful in the ways God will show up. Hopeful in the ways God will provide. Hopeful in the ways Ill learn to be more like Him.
So much more seems possible when I remember the power of hope.
