I continue to dwell on how broken of a world we live in. The never ending hurt, the aching pain, the shedded tears, the heartbreak, the loss, ect. It can go on and on, forever. What I have realized lately is that this pain is not from God, it all comes from broken people living in a broken world. We all sin and fall short at times & this hurts people along the way. Lately I have been soaking in Romans 12. And I have been learning a lot from it. It has brought me more and more peace every time. So I want to share a little with you.
Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to
God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender
yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices.
And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart.
For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you,
but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit
through a total reformation of how you think.
This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life,
satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
Romans 12:1-2 TPT
Allowing God to transform me into what he has created me to be is one of my greatest joys. Every time I discover a new passion or ability of mine, I get so excited and look for ways to serve him with it. These past few years traveling has grown on me more and more. I have gone on a few missions trips and absolutely loved them. Actually saying I loved them is an understatement. They changed me.
I have learned to step out of my comfort zone. Be the one to stand up first to praise God. Ask that brave question that gets everyone talking. Share that story that caused you pain in order to help someone through a similar situation. I have grown. I have learned to live in his holiness. To praise him when I am struggling because that is the only time I let him in. I can feel his presence and I want to be his living sacrifice. Going where he wants me and doing as he says.
As I was reading this passage I was listening to what God had to tell me. And here is a little of what I heard:
The things of this earth will cause
deep pain but I will bring you great joy.
Come to me my daughter and do as I say.
I will love you with my whole heart. Have fun
and enjoy this life. I will show you where to go
and I will open your eyes to the glory around you.
How good is our God? I am constantly and I mean constantly in awe of his love, his mercy, and his creation. I could sit all day in his presence just listening to him and being in his creation. I keep getting reminded of the ministry I will be doing. I remember how much I will be glorifying God and it brings me to tears when I think about it. Tears of happiness and joy. Our God is crazy good and I am in love.
A little update on where I am at right now. For these next two months I am working at a summer camp called Skyview Ranch. In July I will be taking two weeks off to go to training camp for this trip in Gainesville, GA. August is my month of rest and preparation for the journey ahead. I will be home, spending time with family and friends. And going on a family vacation for a week. Fundraising wise I am so close to my next deadline. All together I have $8,000 left. NOT BAD AT ALL! God is crazy faithful with providing and I trust he will provide the rest.
As always thank you for your support through fundraising, praying for me, and reading my blogs. You all rock!
