This weekend was refreshing, and restful. This was much appreciated due to the fact that I have not been sleeping well for the past two weeks since I arrived.
I tried to locate a college ministry at Topeka Bible Church this Sunday morning, and then I planned on going to the late morning service. But I was unable to find the right room where the group was meeting. This was frustrating at first, but I went to the early service at Topeka Bible Church, and then caught the late morning service at Fellowship Bible Church where I sat with a friend I haven't seen in 2 years since we took a trip to the Dominican Republic together.
As I listened to the pastor speak, I felt that God was really trying to say something to me that day. almost as if he kept nudging me, telling me to pay attention. As Pastor Hishmeh talked about identity in Christ, he explained that most of us fear that, by stepping out of our comfort zone, we will be missing out, or that God is not giving us whats best. He asked us to take some time to pray through that, and I definitely needed to; because I realized that's been the main cause of my anxiety since my move.
One of my greatest fears, as someone who is very relationally oriented, is leaving a city full of people that I love; like Tallahassee or Lakeland, and returning after a year away to find that I missed out on so much experience. That everyone moved on, and formed relationships that I will be behind on. As petty as this may sound to some of you, this is what keeps me awake at night. I am worried that I am missing out on life to the fullest with my friends in Tallahassee, and that things won't be the same when I return.
But God's promises relieve this fear immediately. As my good friend, Anna, has told me time and time again, when you are following God you can never worry that he is holding out on you, or trying to keep good things back from you. That's not what type of loving God we serve. He promises that, to those who love and serve him, he will protect and guide, and give life to the fullest. I am complete in my joy because my life is hidden with God in Christ! No joy is greater than knowing my sins have been pardoned, and I have life with God through Jesus. I am vigorously praying to believe this with my life. To fully know that God is for me, and that this experience will shape who God wants me to be for the rest of my life. I am praying to let go of my fear that God is holding out on me, because the Gospel says it is not true. Please pray that I will understand this, and grow to love and desire God more every day. Please pray, also, for CCF as they kick off Go Week in Tallahassee this coming week. Please pray that the students will have boldness, and clarity as they seek to reach out to the new students on campus. Pray for the staff at CCF, that they would never be overwhelmed, but that they would have peace and understanding about the direction God wants to lead them this coming year.
Please pray for Trash Mountain Project as well. There has been some heavy storms in the Philippines, although we have confirmed with our teams on the ground that they are fine, please pray that God would protect these four ministry sites in Manila.
I love and miss everyone in Florida dearly, I greatly appreciate your prayers and support.
John3:30
-Daniel
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