Happy New Year to the W Squad!
I wanted to take a minute to share my heart with my squad family in hopes that it would bring encouragement to those who may need an anthem or cheer.
As I woke up on January 1st, my heart quickly become entrenched in worry and concern regarding everything that needed to be done for the WR. My mind was flooded with how low my support account is ($142.50), support letters came back with denied, my city approval still pending for the 5k, and so forth. In the midst all of this sudden, waking moments of the New Year, I hear a still, small voice say, “Hope in Me.” The crazed cloud of worry and doubt dissipated instantly and I felt peace once again.
My favorite book to read in the Bible for inspiration is the Book of Psalms. It’s where I find quick encouragement and messages of hope. In Psalm 42 and 43, the psalmist is struggling for various reasons, but continually reminds himself to hope in God and praise Him despite what he is experiencing.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5
I decided that I will press ahead. I will not give up, I will not retreat, I will not complain, or allow my heart to be saddened. I will hope in God and praise Him along this journey. Three verses later, David says, “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.” What a change in perspective when he choose where to direct his hope.
I want to encourage any of you are might be struggling or discouraged, don’t lost heart. Whether it be unsupportive family members, lack of funds, or any other distraction, if God said, ”Go”, stay on course. I continue to believe God for three things for this squad: that God would touch the heart of our family, friends, and community members that they would know the importance of spreading the gospel, that our finances would come through, and that our hearts will be prepared and pure before Him so we can be used effectively by Him.
Two days ago, I was praying about these things and God said, “I created the heavens, the Earth, and all that was in the land and sea in 6 days. Since I did all that, don’t you think it’s in My power to provide all your needs for this trip in 6 months?” God created all that we see with His words – we just need Him to speak!
Why are we disheartened, if at all, today? Let’s persevere with hope and praise leading the charge forward.
Love your sister in Christ,
Vanessa
