The countdowns have begun.
11 days until I leave home.
13 days until Launch.
17 days until I board a plane to El Salvador
Countdowns.
They come in all shapes and sizes… family vacations, trips to see friends, start of a football season (43 for all you SEC fans), the big wedding day, due dates for a momma-to-be, work projects, school graduations, and the infamous last 10 seconds until a new year…
They string out a lot of emotions. You struggle with wanting to be in the moment but wishing time away too fast to have that big day happen sooner. Your heart beats faster and faster the closer you get. We want to be prepared, we want to be ready.
Leaving home for entire year to travel the world has required a lot preparation. I constantly wrestle with being intentional with my time; whether that be relationships with friends and family, having everything organized at home for while I’m away, or spending time with the Lord as He prepares my heart for this next year.
Not to mention dealing with a bazillion emotions!!!
And people, a bazillion is not an exaggeration. You name it, I’ve felt it! With just about 2 weeks until it’s audios America… the ‘feels’ are at an all-time high.
Sad, happy, nervous, excited, scared, courageous, concerned, calm, worried, amazed, joyful, trusting and anxious… the list could go on to a bazillion but I think you get my drift.
Every emotion and feeling under the sun is pouring in and out of my head and heart faster than I can even process some of them. I’ll be honest, it’s a little uncomfortable. It took some time for me to get my bearings on how this was possible. How restless I was one day, and how at peace I was the next. I remember a speaker sharing these words at training camp and it just hit home. Emotions are true, but they aren’t THE TRUTH.
So, I had a little date in the sun, by the pool, with my Bible… and God told me some sweet stuff.
The restlessness I’m feeling… yeah, that’s when the devil tries to spit fire spirits of fear, doubt, worry, or concern in every corner that he thinks will cause interruption in these final days at home.
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy…” John 10:10
The devil wants to steal our joys, kill our dreams, and destroy the light and love we have been given by choosing to walk through life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The restlessness I wrestle with now, is the same restlessness I’ll fight with every day I pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus.
NOT TODAY SATAN!
Que the good news… in the second part of John 10:10
Jesus said, “I came that [you] may have life and have it abundantly.”
That’s right! Jesus doesn’t send fear, doubt, worry, and concern to the hearts of His people. He brings life! He brings joy, peace, and understanding! He brings excitement! I may wrestle with all the emotions under the sun, but I will hold tight to the truth of the promises God has for me. The same promises He has for you, too!
He is with me
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“[The angel of the Lord said] “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:13
He will fight for me.
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13
He will protect me.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
The enemy tries to keep us from being the man or woman of faith we are called to be. Whether we are afraid, worried, anxious, scared, discouraged, weak, and even restless…He is with us, He will fight for us, and He will protect us. As restless as some days are, I give that to the Lord and in return He pours out peace. Much easier said than done- I’m human! I continue to wrestle with controlling my own emotions. But y’all He is with me, He is for me, He will fight for me, and He will protect my heart and my mind. The second I give him control is the moment he blesses me with peace.
No matter what you’re counting down to. Or you may not even have a countdown, but you’re struggling with restlessness or one of the bazillion emotions. I encourage you to cling to the truth! The peace you will receive is none-like-any-other. In the middle of chaos, you’ll be calm. In the middle of doubt, you’ll be hopeful. In the middle of fear, you’ll find faith.
Thanks for hearing what He put on my heart!
XOXO
Taylor
FUNDRAISING UPDATE:
Thank you thank you thank you to all of my amazing supporters! I am 84% funded and only $3,000 away from my goal! Your hearts and generosity have been amazing and a true testament to God’s provision! With that being said, I’d love to be 100% funded by the time I leave the states! If you would like to partner with me in an effort to impact the world, prayerfully consider making a donation!
Click on the donate box at the top-right of this page! Every little bit helps!
