As I walked out of my apartment with the last load of my belongings, I was taken aback by the wave of emotion that hit me. I never imagined being sentimental about this place. After all, it was the apartment I wanted so desperately to move out of. I wanted to move into Charlotte. It was full of good memories but also memories I wanted to forget. So I wasn’t really sure why I was emotional about leaving it behind. But as I loaded the last box into my little car, I realized I had taken the first big step toward the Word Race. I was officially in transition mode! I no longer had my own apartment that included all of my personal belongings. I would be living with friends who generously offered a room for me to live in for the next 4 short months until I moved home for a month. Only 5 short months until I leave everything I’m comfortable and familiar with!
God is slowly preparing me to leave it all behind and run after him. Moving out of my apartment and moving the majority of my belongings back to Indiana was the first step of taking me out of my comfort zone. The past few weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Through it all, God is slowly working in my heart and preparing me for the World Race.
He is teaching me two main things:
- I should find my comfort in him-not in things or people! Philippians 4: 6-7
- I should find my approval in him-not in what people think of me! Psalm 139:13-16
God has called me to the World Race. I know that this experience is going to change me more than ever and I’m thankful for that. I’m thankful for a God who teaches me through every step. I’m thankful that I don’t need to worry about what other people think of me or look to others for approval because I already have the love and approval of my God. I’m thankful that my God comforts me in all situations and I’m glad that he is teaching me to depend on him now so when I’m in the middle of Swaziland and homesick and uncomfortable beyond belief he will be the first one I run too.
What is God teaching you this week? Are you looking to him for approval or to others? Do you find your comfort in him or in people/things? My prayer is that you and I will no longer look to others/things for comfort and approval but that we will look first to God who comforts and love us.
Heart & Soul,
Kristi
