Looking back at all of the blogs I have written, month by month, starting at T-11 months, it has led me to reflect on where my heart was when I initially started and where it is today, just 12 days before heading to Atlanta to hop on a plane with 32 of my closest strangers who I love so dearly. We have one goal, one mission and that is this: To go to the Nations to tell people about who Jesus is, what He has done, and what our call to action is. That is my squad and I’s ultimate goal, but in this blog, I want to share three of my personal goals for the next 9 months and how that will transform me and prepare me to come home and live differently.
Goal #1: Walk in obedience.
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it- not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it- they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:25
At Training Camp, we talked a lot about obedience. It is an act of obedience by going and doing what Jesus has called you to, but sometimes that is easier said than done. I have told many people about how thankful I am that I do not know the struggles and the darker days of the next 9 months because quite honestly, I would probably back out. BUT, in the same breath, I have also told many that I am ready to step into having a “yes” in my spirit, no matter what. If the Holy Spirit says to go and pray over a woman sitting in the street, I want to immediately pray over that woman. If the Holy Spirit says to sit back and just observe, I want to sit back and observe, no matter how hard. So, here is to having and “yes” in my spirit and walking in obedience for the next 9 months and the rest of my days.
Goal #2: Thirst for the Word.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. THEN, you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
Something that I want to commit to you is this: Vulnerability. I think it is a game changer and although sometimes uncomfortable, it is good. So, something that has been hard for me the last 5 weeks, since coming home from Training Camp, has been staying in the Word. I know that may not be encouraging to those of you who are reading this and have supported me because you may think, “I am helping send her, and she can’t even do her part?” I know, it has been hard on my end and that is the continuous thought process going through my mind. Sitting down, still, silent, and reading my Bible has always been a challenge and in the next nine months, I want to really lean into leadership, be taught and discipled, so that I can be better prepared when going out. I want to be so dependent on Jesus and His word that I would not go one day without seeking Him and desiring to reading more.
Goal #3: Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Something that I am not proud of but catch myself doing often is when having conversations, always thinking about what I will say next. There is something about not knowing what questions will be asked and not knowing if I will have the answer. When I do that, I find myself not truly and genuinely HEARING the person and the true cry of their heart when they are giving it to me! I am looking forward to leaning in, hearing the hearts of incredible people who deserve to be heard, and walking with them, hand in hand.
Please message me if you have any last minute questions, comments, encouragement, or anything else! It has been such a journey the last 11 months and I know the next 9 will be too. Here is to 9 months +a lifetime of walking in obedience, seeking Jesus out in his Word, and hearing people and walking with them. Next time we talk, I will be in South Africa! See you then!
