As I sit here still processing all that is to come and what is before me I can’t help but be overwhelmed. I am reminded once again to take one day at a time trusting that whatever lies ahead is already in His hands. And I am being challenged all over again to be overwhelmed by the gospel and His truth rather than my circumstances alone. I would be lying to you if I didn’t admit the intense emotions I have felt since Wednesday when I found out that this door was open for me to be a part of the 10/40 expedition. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I have been gripped by fear, anxiety, and sadness over these past few days. In a matter of weeks I will leaving behind the people that have become community here in Atlanta over the past three years, my family back home in Michigan, and letting go of all of the things that are normal in my day to day life.
Several months ago I entered into a different season of change unexpectedly. To be really honest in a matter of moments I went from being engaged to be married into walking into a whole new season. This season was quite painful and my life was flipped upside down. I walked from a season of preparation of celebration to a season of mourning and healing. But the beauty of what I learned about Jesus in this season is why I have even arrived here, today, about to embark on this journey. In these past months Jesus has taught me what it means to preach the gospel to yourself daily. To allow what is absolute truth, the sweetness of His sovereignty, and the greatness of His character to become what is the greatest comfort in the midst of unexpected change or trial. And here I am again, God teaching me all over…one day at a time, Child, take courage. I have you.
I’m not sure if life would’ve gone the way I had planned that I would be sitting here now writing a blog on the World Race. I am grateful for this season of bittersweet to prepare me for yet another bittersweet in leaving. Even still the Lord knows how much I need to be reminded He is with me and has me. And to not look so far ahead being lost in the fear of it all. I know I can only write to you and from this side of things by His great mercy. The way God has written my story has given me freedom to get up and leave for 11 months maybe more than if I had been settled down. Yet again He is redirecting my path filled with unknowns but I think He always has something more beautiful in mind still.
I share this part of my story hoping that it will encourage you too. Wherever you are, whatever season of life you find yourself in whether that’s in a season of pain, of trial, of triumph, of ministry in the city, or ministry in your own home…He has a great plan for your life. If you have breath in your lungs right now that is grace filled and absolute assurance that He is not done with you yet. He has more to write in your life and He has more to breathe into your bones to pour out to others. He breathes into us. Courage when we have none. Peace when we have fear. Comfort when we have pain. Assurance when we have deep doubt. These past months I have learned much about these things but even still His great grace over me is that when I forget and try to run the other way He gently reminds me of who He is. I am reminded again, ‘take courage dear heart.’
