The other night, I was sitting at the dining room table doing homework. The reason I’m writing isn’t because there is anything particularly interesting about that activity. It is what I’ve been spending most of my time on lately. However, when I took a moment to just let my mind rest, a thought popped into my head. “What have you gotten yourself in to?”
Many of you know that I was planning on going to Nicaragua on a mission’s trip this August. Even more of you probably know that the trip’s date got moved up…way up to May 11th. (Yes, that’s a week from today.) About two weeks ago the missionaries that I will be staying with on my trip came over for dinner. They had been traveling around in the states and happened to be stopping in Janesville, which allowed us to meet. (One of the many God things in this story.) Anyway, while they were here they told me that the people I was planning on traveling with were no longer going on the trip in August. However, they told me that someone else was coming on May 11th. At first I just brushed it off. I knew that my finals would not be finished until the 18th of May. Also, at the time it was about 3 weeks from the date I would be leaving.
With a little encouragement from Roger and Rhonda (the missionaries) and from my mom, this option started to look feasible. So, I began to pray about it. I sought the Lord for His will. I knew that He had called me to go, just go, this summer. I was praying about the timing. I asked Him to close doors if this was not His will and so far all doors have remained open.
So, I began to make preparations. I asked professors if I could take finals early, I sent out support letters, I went to Chicago to get my passport, I thought about all the things that I would need to bring, I asked my boss if I could keep my job while I’m gone and so much more. Then, as I was sitting at the table that night, I began to think about things even more. I’m going to a country that I’ve never been to and that has a culture drastically different from my own. I’m going by myself (a.k.a. not with my mom or a close friend). I’m living with people that I’ve met once. I’m staying there for a month and a half, the longest trip I’ve ever taken. “What did you get yourself into?” I asked again.
Then I stopped. “Wait a minute,” I said to myself (Yes, I talk to myself a lot…usually in Spanish…jaja). “Who really got me into this?” I gave it a few minutes and realized that I didn’t get myself into anything. My Father did. He called me and He has provided the way for me to go. Yes, this is way out of my comfort zone. But what does being out of your comfort zone really mean? It means having to depend on God for everything.
When I’m in Nicaragua for the next month and a half I have the privilege of depending on God for my all. I’m a little…timid I think would be the right word. Yes, I’m a little timid about the trip, but not nervous in the least. (Does that make sense?) I’m excited about what God is doing in Nicaragua and I feel so happy that I get to be a part of it. Even though it’s going to be a big stretch for me for the next couple months I know that my Father is going to be with me throughout! :)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
So, as He leads I will follow.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
So, as He leads I will follow.
This is sooooooo awesome Megan!!! God is going to pour into your life in a drastic way throughout this time. I can't wait to hear ALL about it. I'm praying that God increases your faith, your courage, and just AHHHH!! I'm happy for you. Love you. I want to see you before you leave.
ReplyDeleteThe path to our greatest potential is often straight through our greatest fear.
ReplyDeleteThis was a quote from this past weeks sermon. I pray that it is encouraging to you. You are a lion chaser Megan. Go get um!!
Read 1 John 4:18 and consider that the goal of love is FEARLESSNESS. As we grow in a love relationship with God, we unlearn the fears that paralyze us and neutralize us spiritually. That is the essence of FAITH.
This trip will change your life. I know that may bring some fear, anxiety etc. but also the excitement of what God has placed before you.
I will anxiously await your future entries while in the service of the father.
Love you my dear niece.
MEGAN: JUST OPENED YOUR EMAIL AND BLOG AND COULD NOT BELIEVE THE FIRST FROM ISAIAH. THAT HAS BEEN MY VERSE FOR THE LAST 2-3 YEARS AT LEAST!!! WOW. REALLY COOL. WE WANT TO HAVE GOD TO KEEP TALKING TO US. THAT IS THE EXCITING WAY TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. KNOWING THAT EVERY DAY YOU ARE IN HIS WILL AND AWAITING WHAT HE HAS FOR US IN THAT DAY!! I FIND EVER DAY A JOY BECAUSE HE LEADS ME!! MAY YOU FIND THE SAME JOY!!! PRAYING. LOVE, GRANDMA
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. Sorry for the delay, but I just logged on. :)
ReplyDeleteHana: I'd love to see you before I leave if we can find time. I'm pretty busy finishing school up early (and finally packing), but if we can find a moment that'd be fun. :)
Aunt Cheryl: I thought that reference looked familiar...and it was. I turned to the page and it's a verse that I've had highlighted for years. I loved the reminder to look it though. :) It reminded me that when we give ourselves over to God's love, fear vanishes because we can completely trust Him. Thanks for that. :)
Grandma Tegeler: Yes, waiting on God and listening to His prompting, I believe, is the only way to live the Christian life. It doesn't even have to be traveling the world either...that's the great thing. It can just be listening to Him and acting it out in daily life. Even in the simple times He tells us which way to walk and we can impact people's lives for His glory.
I love you all very much and greatly appreciate all the support you have given. It makes me much more confident knowing that I'm backed up in prayer. :)