God is doing some miraculous things in this journey to India. I know this not because of the great things that are happening to me, but rather because of all the barriers and challenges I am facing. The stronger I am becoming in Christ the bigger the obstacles and struggle become. I never understood this dichotomy until now. The truth is, Satan is going to spend more time and energy trying to tear people down who are doing amazing things in God’s kingdom.
When I see all the energy Satan is exerting to try and break this team down I realize that God’s plan for us is HUGE. This isn’t just any mission trip, this is going to be a life-changing experience that will bring so much glory to God’s kingdom. This past weekend our team had a retreat. This retreat was truly the first time we were able to dig deep into one another and build relationships. 3 members struggled with conflicts, life issues and other barriers that popped up. Yet, they made time and overcame those challenges to be apart of this event. I could see why Satan was trying to keep our team from getting together, because that experience as a group built our team’s strength exponentially.
I see Satan trying to creep in the woodworks, placing whatever distractions or challenges he can in our paths. A few years ago, I would have looked at these struggles simply as the world turning against me. Now, I realize that when challenges emerge that is when I am closest to God. Having this perception makes me rejoice in the Lord and His glory. It makes me feel strongly rooted in my faith and even more determined to break through the muck.
I am one month away from getting on a plane to India. I know that Satan is going to continue to throw challenges in our way. I know that his attempts will be even more calculated and malicious once we get there. As I think about the magnitude this strife can esculate into I am reminded of His truth. “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3). I know that God will complete His work in me and protect us through the process.
I am exhausted and drained. Apart of me wants this journey to be over or fast forward to the important parts. I never realized how hard planning a mission trip would be. I feel overwhelmed and consumed in the unknown’s that are to come. My heart is anxious and I want peace from it all. When I focus back on God I remember that these struggles exist because I am walking in His light and He is going to do some amazing things.
Knowing this doesn’t make the pain or heartache go away, instead it makes the challenges so much more worth it. Quite honestly, I want to “stick it” to Satan and prove that no matter the obstacle God’s love will prevail. This experience has been one of the hardest and most stressful things in my life. Because of that, I know it will also be one of the most amazing and miraculous experiences I will have in this world. At the end of the time I rest in knowing that Satan can cause cuts and bruises, but God heals us and gives us the strength to overcome. All I have to say is “Bring it.”
Prayer:
I would appreciate prayer for a couple of things.
1. Financial Support – I am $350.00 away from being fully funded! Please pray that I can receive full support for this trip!
2. Team Building – Please pray that our team continues to grow together in Christ and that we can nurture these relationships with one another
3. Strength – Some team members are struggling through some intense situations, please pray that God will lift them up and get them through this tough time.
4 Wisdom – Please pray that God continues to give me wisdom as a leader in making decisions for our team.
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