I started reading a book – yes, me, have time for a book 🙂 thanks to my awesome teammates that are going on this trip with me, one referred the book called Kingdom Journeys ( thanks Mhairi ) and another one hooked me up with the free online version ( thanks Chloe )!!
This book is about finding your Kingdom Journey and constantly realizing that life IS your kingdom journey. It speaks of different peoples trips across the world serving others on mission trips and in the middle of seeming to be doing the right thing – feeling lost, uncomfortable, broken, and even empty.
The funny thing is – all those things typically sound unappealing. However, I feel a longing for all of those. After my past struggles before Christ came in and swept me up and delivered me from my broken world, I discovered that I am closest to the Lord with all of those feelings: brokenness, feeling lost and empty, continuous discomfort…
The Lord breaks us down in order to strip everything from us so that all we can do is rely on Him. The book said it the way I’ve lately been seeing it — even just living in America, we have this American Dream where we have security and comfort, two cars with a three car garage, super nice job, big house, 401k’s. Where these things aren’t necessarily bad, but they “anesthetize us to the spiritual realities around us”.
Relying on God is a deeper meaning than I believe we see when we think of it. It’s not just relying on Him during tough times, but during all the times. From grocery choices to family issues, to financial needs. Relying on somebody other than ourselves is hard though. I’m all about being successful, strong and independent in means of not having to rely on others for things such as emotional comfort, affirmation, and necessities. Being granted them is nice from time to time and for seasons, but relying on others full-heartedly and at a constant rate is something I’ve never really been a huge fan of. Not because I’ve been hurt in the past, no, but because Christ has created me beautifully and wonderfully and I love learning more about who I am by pushing and challenging myself in the natural form, without addition of another constant I’m dependent on 24/7/365. Is it a crime? No- but it does at times restrict me in what I rely on the Lord for (which should be everything). From the care of my little sisters to the funds for this trip, even for the decisions of what to wear/say/eat, it all must be trusted and believed in Him.
This book as well as the process of this journey thus far for this trip has showed me that this is God working on me — Kingdom Journey: Step 1. Rely on Him as a newborn relies on his mother. For food, for clothing, comfort, and guidance. Need I not know what is ahead of me, but what is at the head of me. “This is the language of trust: Jesus said, ‘Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?’ God will take care of you– not just your spiritual needs, but also your physical needs.”
With that being said — We have officially broken $2,000 on the fundraising goal (actually closer to 3,000) and are rapidly approaching set goals (we’re JUST getting started!). My next financial deadline to continue my process for this trip is coming up QUICKLY!! My goal is to get to $8,000 by September 20th! Please please please, if you feel led to donate do NOT hesitate. All donations matter – none are too small nor to big. Now is as good of a time as any. Blessed by you and your time reading over this <3
