After I graduated high school in 2014, I felt obligated to go to college and to have my life figured out right off the bat. I had just given my life to the Lord as I was starting college and I felt lost and hopeless. After I did one year I realized that’s not where God wanted me and that He had something better for me. I left America almost a full six months ago to come on the Race. I had the idea that coming on the Race I would some what figure out my life. I’ve realized that giving myself nine months to try and get my life figured was unrealistic and unfair to myself. The pressure of being 21 and not having my “5 year plan” or not having a degree has weighed on me. God has shown me that it’s okay to not follow what society says you should do. It’s okay to not do the norm and that you’re life doesn’t look the same as everyone else’s. God has made each and everyone of us different and He’s created a plan specifically for each of us.
God has shown me a different way of life I’ve never experienced before. A way of life that I never saw myself living. I’ve learned to let go of everything that was comfortable to me back home and to let myself be open to change and uncomfortable situations. He’s given me a heart to do missions, whatever or wherever that may look like. I’ve gotten to experience different cultures and connect with people as I’ve traveled. He’s shown me the world that He’s made for us, that while I’m young I can explore and experience it.
I may not have my life figured out but I know that when I trust the Lord, He will guide me. I know that I can try to make plans for my life but the Lords plans are so much better in every single way. Sometimes it feels like I’m going in completely blind but that’s when I have to trust the Lord with everything in me. It’s hard. Sometimes I get frustrated but He always brings me back to the promises that He’s made for my life. That He will use me in ways I can’t imagine. That He’s given me dreams for my life that He wants to put in action one day.
As I prepare to leave the Philippines and move to South Africa, I realize the time is getting closer for me to come home. Sometimes the thought of going home is scary and sometimes it sounds amazing (especially when all you want is a hot shower and chickfila). Nowadays, our thought process is “next next next”. What comes next? What is going to happen next? We worry about the next and don’t appreciate the now. God has been teaching me to focus on what’s happening now and not worrying about tomorrow, or next month, or next year. Being content in today because tomorrow is not promised to us.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
