looking back on this past semester, i see all of the things God has taught me. i see all of the new challenges, lessons, and seasons i’ve been through: stepping into new leadership, pursuing the World Race, being diagnosed with terminal senioritis(oh yes its TERMINAL), and many more. all new and amazing things! but, as most can attest to, 2018 was a D I F F I C U L T year. i leaped into 2019 ready&expectant for the Lord to reroute my perspective and bring His truth back into my life. and that’s exactly what He did!
2019 started with one of the most ICONIC ( yes, ICONIC) weekends at my school. every january, 90 students drive allllll the way up to new hampshire to hear teachings, be in community together, and most importantly, learn about Jesus Christ. while i was somewhat excited to go, i found myself sad and almost dreading the one weekend that i look forward to! all i could think about was how it’s my last one. things were different this time- i found focusing on my losses: resonating on all the memories, reflecting on the lessons i once learned, and saying goodbye to traditions. i truly didn’t know what to expect, but i started to pray that the Lord would use me as a vessel to the people around me.
usually on these retreats, the last night is the night of tears. THE holy spirit revival. the heart-wrencher night where everyone gathers together and “pray crys”. these nights are not a bad thing! they are expected, well known/loved, and influential in my life! i woke up that morning ready for the night to steal the show. but BOY! DID THE LORD HAVE DIFFERENT PLANS FOR THIS WEEKEND!! during our second session early saturday morning, the speaker laid out some huge truth about prayer. prayer is a time for us to be real. be honest. to be weak. to encounter the truth that God is the one who slays our giants, not us. immediately, our session flipped from a sea of students listening in the audience, to praying in groups all over the altar. God completely flipped around everyone’s expectations, and the HOLY. SPIRIT. MOVED.
this story may sound cheesy, it may sound small! but, there was something about that morning. God showed up unexpectedly and truth was spoken. chains were broken and people walked away renewed. i’ve seen the Holy Spirit move, and i’ve seen God transform lives- but nothing like this.
so as i’m sitting here writing, i find myself completely BAFFLED at God’s grace, power, and mercy. i had no idea what this past weekend would hold. i was stuck in my own emotions and goodbyes. but God rerouted everything. He continually proves His faithfulness to us. He calls us into His kingdom by name. He always welcomes us back home. He uses every single moment to pour out His love.
HE moves in great ways, HE moves through the big and the small, HE is moving in us in mighty ways.
peace&blessings,
kate <3
