Transition times are interesting. The Lord has given me 4 1/2 months in between college graduation and the Race to process my life thus far and prepare for this next chapter. Almost two months has passed since I graduated from Samford University. I get asked at least once a week the million dollar question: what are you doing after graduation? My answer is atypical. I’m working for the summer so I can spend the next year traveling to 11 different third world countries with about 25 people I’ve never met (ok so I’ve met two people- Alana and Jessica who are amazing). When I think about it, it sounds crazy. At times, I am overwhelmed with the details. How I am going to earn and raise $12,500 to cover my living expenses this year? Am I being obedient to the Lord in the little things?- my time, my talents, my resources. How can God use my broken life to demonstrate his love to others?
In response, the Lord whispers to my heart . . . “Jacinda Ann, I have provided. I am providing. I will provide. I have called you to trust me with everything. Have no fear. See yourself as I see you. I have already redeemed you. My blood covers your sins. I am your provider. Look around you. I have equipped you with creativity. Use it for my glory. Be faithful in the little things- your time, your talents, your finances, your possessions, your relationships- I have given all of these unto you. Trust me with these.”
Then, I breathe and I remember. I remember how He has shown up in my life.-He healed one of my best friend’s from cancer in high school. He provided genuine friendships when I needed them the most. He has provided a new home church during this transition period in GA. He has healed my bruised heart.- The Lord is good. He reminds me why I am going on the race. Here are the facts:
I am falling in love with the Lord. He has been growing a passion to serve the poor. I want to dedicate my singleness completely unto the Lord. I am His daughter. I long to share the hope that we have in the Lord with the poor in spirit. I want play with orphans to show them that people do care about them and to share Christ’s love with them. I want to be obedient to the Word in whatever country in which I am residing- whether that be the United States, Thailand, China, India, South Africa, Peru, etc. I want to use my talents and intellect for God’s glory and to make a difference in this world.
Each day is another day we are given to trust the Lord and be obedient to the word. The Lord IS working today. He heals brokenness. He renews. Redemption is timeless beauty. So I will not lose hope. I will choose to trust Him with everything- this will require incessant surrender and wholehearted faith.
I leave you with a prayer from one of my favorite books, Ruthless Truth by Brennan Manning.
“Abba, I surrender my will and my life to you today, without reservation and with humble confidence, for you are my loving Father. Set me free from self-consciousness, from anxiety about tomorrow, and from the tyranny of the approval and disapproval of others, that I may find joy and delight simply and solely in pleasing you. May my inner freedom be a compelling sign of your presence, your peace, your power, and your love, Let your plan for my life and the lives of all your children gracefully unfold one day at a time. I love you with all my heart, and I place all my confidence in you, for you are my Abba.”
