When Oceans Rise // Korea
The rain was coming down in sheets. A thick layer of clouds hung low to the ground, giving a mysteriously bleak quality to the day.
The weather mirrored the feelings bubbling up inside me. My departure from Korea is fast approaching and with it a “goodbye” to the life I’ve built here, the family I’ve made and the adventures I’ve had.
I needed to go for a walk. Grabbing an umbrella, I hopped on a bus and headed to the coastline about 10 minutes away. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city, mainly because no one is ever there.
I wandered through the park, along the beach and down the boardwalk to the rocks. I hardly noticed that my shoes didn’t last five minutes before they were completely soaked through.
I don’t want to leave, Lord. Please don’t make me leave.
Tears rolled down my face. How can I leave all of this behind? I’m afraid that I will lose momentum with the Lord when I leave my church community. I’m apprehensive about moving back in with my parents and living in a place where I have few connections. Discouragement so easily entangles when you let your mind wander. I remind myself that despite all of this, it’ll give me the opportunity to focus on fundraising since it’s been weeks since the last donation came through.
//
I looked out over the ocean, watching two lonely surfers bob in and out of the waves. It may be cliché, but I couldn’t help but sing:
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Just like that, my thoughts started to sharpen on the One who loves me with an unfailing love. Connection with my Father, that’s what I needed today. I let it wash over me, renewing my mind and breaking off the chains holding me back from running hard after Him.
Soaking in the glory of His presence, I can’t help but respond. My perspective is changing. Fear is crumbling. Hope is rising. Faith is being stirred up. The beauty I’ve seen here is just a glimmer of what He has yet to reveal. All I need to do is trust.
It’s amazing how a walk with the Lord can transform the seemingly bleakest of situations.
//
An email came in while I was out. “You’ve received a donation.”
Coincidence? I’ll let you decide.
