Have you ever taken a small step of faith, but for some reason, it didn’t feel small? For me that was putting up my last blog post. With all the struggle and trouble going on, writing about Jesus being our ultimate source of security felt, well, like climbing out on a limb (not the most secure task). I felt as though it was a public, “Hey life isn’t easy. But Jesus always comes through! Right, Jesus? Hm, Jesus, now would be a good time to oh, I don’t know, send a little help.”
Jesus had already given me the security and peace I needed to press on and make the post, but when would He turn the tide in the course of events?
Here’s the thing about steps of faith. Big or small, they’re all difficult. But they’re all important. And we can take them because we serve a God who never breaks His promises. Moments after putting up my last blog post, I checked my fundraising status. When I saw someone had donated $5,000, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
A few shocked prayers, tears, and happy dances later it was clear to me: Jesus is really good at breaking the boxes we try to put Him in, and exceeding our expectations.
The past few weeks have been a lot of that. Jesus breaking my boxes and exceeding my expectations. For example, my World Race Squad. We pulled together and the 50ish of us won our first AND SECOND squad war challenge. We learned our team color (green) and letter (M) and each day I’m blown away by their love and devotion for God and each other. I found myself getting an app (Houseparty) so I could basically Facetime many of them at once. When I opened it, I didn’t know they could join me and see me with just a click. Suddenly, I heard laughter. Pure, genuine laughter. Before I even heard the voices of my teammates, I heard their laughter. How beautiful is that? Granted, they were laughing at my confusion, but I couldn’t have planned a better face to face (ish) first impression with the lovely people I’ll live with for nine months.
After such a time of not being the friend or person I really want to be, it was hard to believe I could truly love people without wanting love in return, or rise above the anxiety and struggles that nag and nag. But God exceeded my expectations in this area as well. He has proved His love as the only love that can satisfy, and His grace as my strength when I fall short. Each day has been an exciting new beginning, full of challenges and occasional pangs of hurt and fear, but He is here. When people and situations are cruel and unfair, when life seems to keep throwing punches, when I let pride and doubt drown out God’s voice and everything and everyone else fails, He is faithful. He is making all things news, His mercy is new every morning, and He is always with us. Yes, I definitely just referenced like four of the most popular Bible verses, but their truths are so vital. I want to share one of my favorite verses that’s helped me a lot recently:
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. • Isaiah 43:1-2
I ask for your prayers for training camp, which I’ll be at July 6th-16th. Also, if any of you have any sort of camping gear you’d be willing to give or sell, particularly sleeping pads/sleeping bags and large travel backpacks and daypacks, please private message me! Training camp is very soon and money is very tight and so prayers for God to provide the gear would mean so much. Also, I’m still selling tee shirts!! Please private message me or follow the instructions on a previous Facebook post with the PayPal link if you’d like one. I’ll probably be selling these for maybe a month more. In total, we’re at about $6,400 out of $15,000. Praise God! Please consider supporting me financially if you are able, there is no “small” donation. $5 or $5,000, I am grateful for every penny, and I am grateful for all of you. I love you and keep the faith.
