I was driving back to Ouachita on Sunday and as the sun was setting a plane caught my attention. Immediately I felt the Holy Spirit bring peace over my heart. I will be in one of those in a few short days, I thought. There has been so many little moments as I have been gathering paperwork or been working on other to-dos that God has reminded me of His soveriengty. He is in control. He has gone before me. His hand is so firm and strong- He is holding me and this whole situation. He has called me to go. I can trust Him with the details.
A verse that has constantly come to mind again and again (even as I am falling asleep some nights) is Joshua 1:5,
No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.
Although I am not Joshua and God is not calling me to lead a people in taking hold of a promise of land, this verse has provided comfort in many different ways over the past few months.
It has reminded me that God is greater than all- greater than any lie or fear Satan could try to use to discourage me. It has brought me back to the truth that no one can stand against God's children because His power indwells us.
This verse has also reminded me that God goes before us. He whispers courage and strength over our hearts as we get ready to take a step in obedience- even an action that may seem as trivial as stepping onto a plane and attending a Consulate appointment.
I'm just thankful for God's Word. His plan. His strength and the way He breathes courage and boldness into our hearts so that we can follow and obey Him.
God is moving in my heart and mind, drawing me near as I start stepping closer to going to Italy. I am thankful for His might. Thankful for the way He prepares His children so gently, yet so mightily. And that was another word that came to mind as I watched that plane on my drive home- prepared. Not perfect, but prepared.
In the same moment I saw the plane and was comforted in God's peace, I also thought "Goodness. I want to soak up this preparation time with joy, gladness, and excitement. Just like I would if it were the days leading up to my wedding day." Why wouldn't I?
It seems like society can put so much stock and pressure on the excitement leading up to marriage and I am sure it is rightfully so in many ways, but who is to say you cannot carry that same joy and anticipation as you think about stepping into other seasons in obedience to the Lord? I don't want to dim the excitement in my heart over this seaon. I don't want to be thinking in the back of my mind, "Oh, but I wonder when this season will happen" as I am getting ready for Italy.
No, for now I just am really thankful for this. Thankful for the life of following Jesus and drawing near to Him and seeing how He is preparing and fortifying me in His truth. And that is something that isn't just bottled up in one season- it is the call of a lifetime no matter the circumstance.
Jesus, have all the seasons and every part of my heart- whether it is Italy... the US... college, the workforce, or at home. Help me watch Your face continually and follow Your footsteps.
Thank You for the ways You speak peace into our hearts and for the times of preparation.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philipians 2:13
Then he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord os hosts. Zechariah 4:6
No comments:
Post a Comment