~A Journal Entry 12/23/15~
We went out to the lookout yesterday afternoon for worship. For about 20 min we walked around seeking a quiet space, and our own time with the Lord. I sat for a while by myself and just peered out at the vastness of the landscape. Lushes green hills rolling on for miles, beautiful fluffy cloud castles that covered a pink, purple, and blue sky, there were fields full of flowers and an assortment of plants and trees. It was the most incredible view I had seen thus far on the race. My eyes kept focusing on the mountain ranges. In that moment the Lord reminded me of something. I had been down in that valley before. I’ve been in the pit; lost and wandering. But I’ve also been on that mountain top. I’ve peered out over that valley and seen the lush green forest and streams running through it. It’s hard to imagine the mountain top when you’re trudging through the valley. You don’t always know which way to go, which way is out, and it often seems as though you’ll never get out. But one day you do. The climb is not always easy. There are slippery slopes, windy turns, and obstacles trying to keep you from the top. But eventually you make it, and you stand on top of that mountain as if you’re standing in the clouds. Then you look down, and gaze over the valley. You can remember the valley, the struggle, and what you went through to get where you are.
Psalm 40 “I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Sometimes God calls us to higher mountains, but he also calls us into deeper valleys. And he is with us in BOTH places. He promises to always walk with us. Psalm 23:4 says “even though i walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me…” It doesn’t say even though I stop. Even though I camp out. I don’t blog from the valley, or spend the night in the valley, BUT I WALK THROUGH. You have to keep walking, knowing he is with you and that mountain top experience is just ahead.
But keep in mind…
When you do reach the top, you have to eventually go down the other side, and walk through yet another valley. But be encouraged, another valley means another season of growth and another beautiful mountain top view.
He does not promise the journey will be easy, but it will be worth it. It’s in the valley where you’re tested, pruned, and built up and it’s getting to that mountain top when you look out and see the growth. You have a better view of what just took place, and you’re one step closer to looking more like him. Never stop reaching for the top of that mountain.
In lieu of the new year as a squad we’ve been talking a lot about new seasons, transitions, and change. The thing with seasons is they all come to an end. Seasons of weather, sports, even relational seasons. As humans we tend to gravitate to whats normal, and comfortable, and change is not something we look forward to. But change means growth. There is no Growth apart from Change. Its not always about the destination, it’s about the journey. 2016 is going to bring new changes, new seasons. For all of us. On the race things are always changing. For me it’s a reminder that I am not in control.
I want to ask for prayers for this next season of life. As we are transitioning into some new things. Teams changed this last week. For the first 4 months of the race I was blessed to be on a team with 6 beautiful, passionate women. They challenged me, pursued me, encouraged me, and walked through some hard valleys with me. Sculptors Seven was a huge part of my life. It was a beautiful season. As I lay it down, I look forward to stepping into a new space with 5 new people. 5 beautiful women inside and outside, who love the Lord and his people. They are hungry for his word, and growth. I expect there to be challenges, trials, and celebrations. I’m excited for our new team “Daughters of Glory“. Excited to see how the Lord works in and through us and draws us closer together and closer to him. As our teams change so does our country were in. We will be leaving Philippines Sunday and flying to Vietnam. Vietnam is a closed country, meaning religion is not freely discussed. We cant use words like Jesus, Christian, or missionary. Disciplinary actions could result in jail, or being removed from the country.Along with these changes comes administrative changes. Our current squad leaders are leaving us at the end of the month but have raised up 3 new squad leaders from our squad. They will be stepping into new roles as they lead our squad over the next 7 months. This will bring many challenges of it’s own not to mention their own personal struggles they will be dealing with. I know all these changes will be purposeful and produce a plentiful harvest. I ask for your prayers as we boldly step into hard places, hard conversations, and hard realizations. As we love each other and others. As we climb out of the valley, and up mountains. As we bring heaven to earth. As we bring the gospel to the nations.
