I am late posting for the month of August, but as I prepare to leave on Saturday, I can’t help but think back on the whirlwind the last 14 weeks has been. June launched me into the beginning of my support raising as I attended GoCorps training in Minneapolis. With weddings, bridal showers, and a mission trip to El Salvador and Guatemala in between, NCLEX studying competing for my time as I worked to balance study and support raising, June disappeared and July flew by with equal speed. And August, where did that whole month go?
Despite the speed at which these past few months have come and gone, it has been amazing to sit here, fully supported at 102%, and look back on all God has done. And I thought I was busy! God did more in those 14 weeks than I could ever accomplish in a year. He was always three steps ahead of me, preparing the way, speaking to people before I ever contacted them, working as only God does.
I love that He constantly challenges us. He is never content with who we are or where we are at right now, in this moment. We are not perfect. We are broken, constantly in need of His grace. In need of His love and mercy. And it’s because of this, because of our tendency to turn away, to sin, to forget all He has done, that He can continually call us deeper. He persistently reveals himself to us in new ways, teaches us, and causes us to grow often without us even realizing it’s happening. It’s not until we pause and look back on what He’s been doing that we can see it.
This summer, God has consistently placed me in positions where I feel uncomfortable. Circumstances that are not familiar to me, asking me to do things I don’t like to do or didn’t think I would like, calling me to greater dependency on Him. It started right away in June as I went to GoCorps training. Walking into that week of training knowing no one was not the ideal place for an introvert. There really hasn’t been a time in my life since elementary school where I’ve had to make new friends and develop new relationships without a familiar face around. It was intimidating to say the least, but it turned out to be something I really enjoyed!
And these times just kept coming. On the mission trip, I sang in front of the church congregation (I do NOT sing!), presented the gospel in Spanish to complete strangers, testified to what God was doing in my life calling me to Peru in front of the church, and, in Spanish, explained medications to patients at afree medical clinic. I met with complete strangers during my support raising process and those meetings turned out to be some of the most encouraging. They were undeniably divine appointments. I spoke at small groups and in front of my church congregation. Public speaking is NOT on my list of favorite things to do, but God was there. I shared my heart and testimony with countless people and as a private person, that wasn’t always easy to do. I was vulnerable, but it was in those times that the heart of God, His plan for the Yanesha people, His love for them, was poured out. I was hesitant to ask people for money, but understanding the Biblical basis for support raising and the excitement of others as I shared what God was calling me to do quickly changed that view.
There are countless other examples I could share. Times when I was uncomfortable, times when I didn’t understand why God was asking me to do something, times when I questioned the reason why. But each and every time, God was my peace, my strength, and my cornerstone. Each and every time, He revealed himself in a new way, reminding me who He is and who He will continue to be. Teaching me that I’m not meant to do these things on my own. That I can do all things through Christ. Deepening my trust in Him. I have never felt as close to God as I have this summer and I would venture to say that more often than not, I enjoyed what He called me to do. Funny how that works!
God continues to challenge me, place people in my life to ask the tough questions, and putting me in situations that force me to grow and rely on Him. I never thought I would be as thankful as I am for those uncomfortable and challenging situations. I honestly look forward to them now! Not that it’s always easy to say yes, but knowing that He will always be there makes it a little easier to take a step in that direction. I believe these challenges were part of my preparation to move overseas. There are going to even bigger challenges to overcome, even more uncomfortable situations, times when I’m discouraged, times when it would be easier to say no. But I have seen God’s faithfulness. Experienced His peace and strength. And that will be what I remember and rely on during those times.
In what ways is God challenging you?
What is God calling you to do outside of your comfort zone?
What are specific times you can look back on and see God’s faithfulness, peace, and strength in your life?