One WEEK!

One week from right now, I will be in the air, on my way to Miami to catch my connection flight to Haiti! I can't believe that this is actually going to happen. I feel like it has been such a process getting to this place. Something cool I have been thinking about the last couple of days is just how much God clearly opens and shuts doors in our life. Sometimes we get in this panic of thinking, 'I need to figure it all out myself,' or 'I need to do something in MY power to take care of this particular situation.' These are so commonly thought but they are lies that Satan wants us to believe. That we don't need God to figure things out. We can take care of everything ourselves. I am reminded of John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This reminds me that I am going to do this in Haiti. I am going to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the people in Haiti. God is working in my heart big-time already, and I am traveling with Him and Him alone. Apart from God, I am NOTHING. 


Tonight, (instead of studying for my final in the morning) I pulled out my old journal, from back in October when I first thought about a mission trip to Haiti. Back then, I was a little over a month into school, with no idea what God would do in my life the following few months. My journal reads this: 

"Father, I don't know why but today suddenly I had this burning passion to go on a mission trip to Haiti. God I pray you would make it clear if and when you want me to go. God, I pray that if this is from you that you would continue to put it on my heart. God I trust you and I will go whenever and wherever you lead me! Please just give me wisdom, guidance and a continued passion to love the World...YOUR world! I love you." 10-9-2011

Back then, I had no idea that I would actually pursue a trip this big. This monumental. This life-changing. But, like I said God opens and shuts doors and leads us down the path he wants us to go. His guiding hand on my life is so evident and I know that his hand is on me as I go. 


Just 10 days later, my journal reads this: 

"God, I pray that as I continue on in school, that you would continually make me aware of how I can live more like you. God I thank you for the heart you have given me for Haiti. God I am pursuing this ministry out of faith that this is the summer you want me to serve you in this capacity. God I don't know if this is a one time only trip of if this is a glimpse into what my future will look like. But God, despite the unsureness, I trust you. If you want me to serve you full time as a missionary...I WILL GO. Without a doubt, I will do whatever you want me to do. I pray you would provide opportunities to learn about my future and I pray you give me the ability to trust in you and your timing." 10-19-2011

I am amazed at God's answers to pray in his providing me the opportunity to serve him in this way to the people of Haiti. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through me in Haiti. I can't believe God is providing me the opportunity to serve Him in this way. All I know is that I am not doing this alone. God is going before me and is my strength. Without him I am Nothing. 


Studying through the Pauline letters in Acts-Philemon, I am reminded again just how much we are called to thank the Lord, and be grateful in all circumstances. He is the provider of strength and provides peace for when we are fearful. Even if we might be scared or nervous about where God has us. He knows where we are. He has us where HE wants us. THIS is the place God is wanting me to be. I am confident that if God doesn't want me here, He will guide me in a different direction, because he has done so in the past. Thank you God that we don't have to do things ourselves. You are in control. You are the ruler of my life. Show me where you want me to be and where you want me to go. I will do it! 


Philippians 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."