There are very few people who I trust completely, but I trust God more than I trust myself. Which is a really good thing, because we don't always have the same plans or ideas and we definitely don't have the same timing (I like everything to be done yesterday and He always works in a way that shows His glory, i.e. much later than I am usually comfortable with). In fact it's only because I trust Him so much that I can walk or sometimes jump into the unknown. But that is how it should be. The fact is that Africa has always been His plan for my life and not mine. Yes, I am on board now but He is still leading the way, and that's how I want it to stay.
In the past five months (since He told me to "Go") He has provided for my every need and in ways that I never could have imagined. It is so comforting to know that I do not have to worry about today let alone tomorrow because He has already made a way. Five months ago I needed about $20,000 to go to Gabon and Uganda for about a year and a half. Through the generosity of others I've been able to buy my tickets (4 tickets actually) and send off for my visas. What has been amazing for me is seeing how God works. He could easily have had given me everything at the very beginning but instead I've have experienced more support and love then ever before. Because honestly, it isn't about the money, what God is doing is a lot bigger. This isn't even about me really, again God's plan is much bigger. I am just someone who is going, God is the one who is doing everything.
This has been my mindset for the last few months, I've been surprisingly worry free (you'd think I'd be freaking out) and have had so much peace the whole time. I know God will provide for today and when tomorrow comes He will provide for that, what could I have to worry over? Today, is April 24th. A month from now I'll be flying to Gabon, Africa. Today, is also the day when I need to pay for all of the expenses regarding the Gabon part of my trip. That is $2,700. Well, today is here and I am waiting expectantly on God to show up and provide in His perfect way. I'm not worried, $2,700 is nothing for God. I'm actually excited, I can't wait to see how God works!!
If you'd like to be a part of my journey to Africa and support me, click the Donate Through The Stirring page under the banner.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Do You Have A Plan?
Take a moment and picture the kind of future that you dream of having, the perfect one you are always comparing life to. Be honest. What does it look like?
If I'm being honest, I never saw Africa coming. My plans for the future were pretty simple; finish school, travel, settle down, raise a family, and live out my life with the people I love. Pretty ordinary expectations, and ones that would get completely thrown out as soon as I began to see what life was really about. Very quickly, I started sifting through what my life could be instead of what I'd thought it would be. Suddenly, it was no longer about seeing my dreams come true but standing alongside others as they birthed their own. It became about being faithful with everything I'd been given, and expecting it to look different than a life focused on self-satisfaction. I knew that I didn't want to get to the end of my life and look around and see all of the ones who were counting on me, disappointed and neglected. And as I began to think about all that I could do, I realized I was responsible. No, I was never meant to live a life focused on my own satisfaction, and I would never be content with my own accomplishments. Because the truth is, life is about so much more than what makes us happy and we should never settle for just our own accomplishments. God has so much in store for us. It was obvious as soon as I understood, I wanted what God had for me more than anything. Nothing would compare to His great plans for my life, ones that I could be sure would reach through the impossible and touch the heart of the Father. With this realization came a shift in my thoughts, and the future became about the "who", instead of about me. Who would He send me to? Who would I be responsible for? Who would I get to listen to, stand by, and pray for? Who would I get to live life with? Who would I get to cry and laugh with? Who would I be fighting with? Who would I get to see the seed planted in. Who would I get to see it grow in. Who would I get to see produce fruit? Who would I empower? Who would I give to, my life, my time, my finances, my love, my Jesus?
I want to challenge you. Not because I think I have it all figured out, but because I know God does. Don't live your life without asking the hard questions. A great one to start with is, "why not me?" God has more planned for your life than you know. Don't be afraid to go after it!
We are wrong to assume life is about us. It isn't. Instead it's about a Father and His great plan for the earth to know His image and glory. We are His plan, so that the whole earth might know Him and proclaim His glory. It's about redemption, love, hope, justice, and victory. Do you plan on being a part of it? Or do you think you have a better plan?
If I'm being honest, I never saw Africa coming. My plans for the future were pretty simple; finish school, travel, settle down, raise a family, and live out my life with the people I love. Pretty ordinary expectations, and ones that would get completely thrown out as soon as I began to see what life was really about. Very quickly, I started sifting through what my life could be instead of what I'd thought it would be. Suddenly, it was no longer about seeing my dreams come true but standing alongside others as they birthed their own. It became about being faithful with everything I'd been given, and expecting it to look different than a life focused on self-satisfaction. I knew that I didn't want to get to the end of my life and look around and see all of the ones who were counting on me, disappointed and neglected. And as I began to think about all that I could do, I realized I was responsible. No, I was never meant to live a life focused on my own satisfaction, and I would never be content with my own accomplishments. Because the truth is, life is about so much more than what makes us happy and we should never settle for just our own accomplishments. God has so much in store for us. It was obvious as soon as I understood, I wanted what God had for me more than anything. Nothing would compare to His great plans for my life, ones that I could be sure would reach through the impossible and touch the heart of the Father. With this realization came a shift in my thoughts, and the future became about the "who", instead of about me. Who would He send me to? Who would I be responsible for? Who would I get to listen to, stand by, and pray for? Who would I get to live life with? Who would I get to cry and laugh with? Who would I be fighting with? Who would I get to see the seed planted in. Who would I get to see it grow in. Who would I get to see produce fruit? Who would I empower? Who would I give to, my life, my time, my finances, my love, my Jesus?
I want to challenge you. Not because I think I have it all figured out, but because I know God does. Don't live your life without asking the hard questions. A great one to start with is, "why not me?" God has more planned for your life than you know. Don't be afraid to go after it!
We are wrong to assume life is about us. It isn't. Instead it's about a Father and His great plan for the earth to know His image and glory. We are His plan, so that the whole earth might know Him and proclaim His glory. It's about redemption, love, hope, justice, and victory. Do you plan on being a part of it? Or do you think you have a better plan?
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