Last nightwas an adventure, to say the least. My dear friend Greg decided to take myself, his son Zach, my host dad, and host brother on a little trip near the governor's mansion where there are some trails in the woods nearby.
This is no problem for a directionally gifted person like myself, except that Greg's purpose was to get us lost, and have us find our way back.
It's very dark outside, and after maybe 15 minutes of walking/running into the woods Greg has the team shut off all of our lights and try to find our way back.
This was incredibly difficult because our eyes had become adjusted to having a small light in front of us, and were not able to receive complete darkness well. The first 5 minutes of our journey back as spend trying to let our eyes adjust to where we could see the path we had just walked.
After some time we made it back, and it was a lot of fun to journey through the woods with some fun guys. But, just as we were approaching the exit to the woods, Greg dropped a huge truth bomb.
He began to explain a spiritual application to our little adventure, which helped give me more clarity on why God is choosing to work in me in such mysterious ways.
He explained how when we walk in complete darkness our eyes can't focus, and it can be easy for us to be led onto a path that will take us places we don't want to go. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet; and a light unto my path."
In a world that is often described as dark and cruel the only source of light we have is the Word of God, and the hope we have in Christ. During times of darkness, we have to view the words of God as a light that will guide us out of an unfamiliar area that we cannot see in.
Admittedly, I have done a horrible job of this. I have viewed the Bible as a tool that might be useful in helping me find joy in Kansas. But the Bible is going to be essential in me discovering the way Christ has called me during my time in Topeka. I need to be fed spiritually every day from the Word of God.
Please pray that I would hunger for the word of God, that I would crave it and desire it more than anything in my life.
Among this, I have been struggling to find my worth and identity in Christ.
As,wonderful as it is, I have found some friends whose company I genuinely enjoy. Several times over the past few weeks I have had the joy of being around people (nearly) my own age, who love Jesus, and want each other to grow spiritually.
But the problem is me.
I have been doing everything possible, since meeting these people, to make them like me. I hope that with every time we hang out together, that I will be invited back. My desperation for friendship is not spiritually healthy, or honoring to God.
My salvation has nothing to do with what my friends think of me. My worth is not based upon what anyone in the world think of me, but is based solely on the fact that Christ has taken my sin and given me his perfect record of righteousness to stand blameless before God. I don't have to strive to fit in with anyone (although it would be nice) because, as cliche as it sounds, Christ has made me who I am for a reason and the right people will appreciate that at the right time. That being said, I am extremely grateful for my new friends who have been spending some time with me lately, they have made me feel welcome in a foreign place, and have taken time to get to know me, which is very refreshing in times like these.
God is still working in me, please pray earnestly that I would respond to God tugging on my heart. I always want to hear the Spirit's voice guiding me, and remembering scripture to light the path in front of me.
Prayer requests:
-A love for reading the Bible, and a hunger for more of God's word in my life.
-A bold love for Christ, evident to the people I come in contact with as a part of TMP.
-Desire to understand and better apply the importance of integrity, and accountability.
-Rest during a busy time of year.
-Joy in the Lord through surrendering my will for God's, submitting to his power over my life, and sacrificing myself for the well being of others.
John3:30
-Daniel
PS: I apologize for any typing mistakes, this was written late at night and I am slightly delirious.
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