This month my group is heading into North Africa and I’m so excited! I’m excited to build relationships that are deep and meaningful. I’m excited to experience the culture in an intimate way. But I can’t start this new season without giving honor to the past season.
Central America was a time of huge growth. I learned so much about myself – which really means I learned so much about the Father. He is so good and so full of love for me. The name He calls me by – and YOU too – has nothing to do with the shame or failures that are always on our minds. He calls us by the names He gave us, names written in His book before time began. He’s only ever known us by those names. We took on different ones like fear, or worthless, or depressed, but the son came to show is that those were never meant for us. He has a glorious inheritance for us – for the ones who answer when He calls their true name.
The grace given to us is like holding up a mirror and seeing that truth.
I am loved. Deeply loved. I am priceless. I am unafraid. I am free. I am my father’s child.
That is what Central America taught me. This is the truth that ground me – anchor me – in love. And, y’all, that is what we’ve got to operate out of. When Jesus said “If you love me you’ll keep my commandments” in John 14:15 is wasn’t an ultimatum, it was an identifier. Love breeds obedience, not the other way around. As I understand more what the Father’s love says about Him and how He sees me, I am so much more bold. I am ready for North Africa. I’m ready to step out for my Father, because every step is taken enveloped in my Father. He has already ordained each one.
I challenge you guys to think about this for yourselves. Ask two simple questions: How do I view God? How does God view me? A squad mate said, if Christ can’t be put in place of “I” for all those statements, then they just arent true. As Paul said, “It’s no longer I who live, but Christ in me.” If you are a child of God, the past, present, and future are all saturated with Jesus. There’s simply no capacity for any other identity.
If what you think of God or what He says of you doesn’t line up, no shame! Then you’ve identified a lie from the enemy and you get to seek the Father and ask Him for truth. Listen and wait- don’t be afraid and don’t be in a rush.
This is what He’s been teaching me and this identity is what I’m taking to North Africa.
Please be in prayer for my team! Please join me in praying over fundraising! I am now under $3,400 to fundraise.
