My Journey

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" -Jeremiah 29:11. 

Last week was difficult. I had to stand in front of the man who has poured into me this past year and who has taught me how to walk with Christ and tell him that I am not coming back next year. Not only did I have to tell him, but the rest of the group. The people that I have learned so much from, who have helped me in my walk with Christ. Who have been my role models. It breaks my heart to leave, but I know it is the right decision. God has given me so many opportunities to serve back in Memphis. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be in this mission program. I learned so much just in this year alone. Looking back at my life, how it use to be, even a year ago...I was a completely different person. I didn't truly know what it meant to die to self and live for Christ. Going through Romans with a group of such strong believers helped me realize that I was not where I needed to be. Not at all. It has been a struggle to keep up and try to be at "their level." But God taught me something through this. He has taught (and is continually teaching) me patience. He taught me to slow down. I don't have to be "caught up", that doesn't make me any less of a Christian. I realized I needed to slow down and enjoy God and learn from His word rather than trying to cram scripture in my head that I would forget a day later. I started writing in a journal...writing out my prayers, my dreams, desires and my future plans. I decided to wake up an hour earlier each morning and read scripture and write in my journal. Which was weird to me at first because I hate silence. I like being around alot of people. I like to talk...alot. But in the mornings, when I had this time with God, I became silent. I read scripture, I prayed and I listened. After doing this for a few months, I started seeing small changes in my life. When we pray, we aren't doing it for God's benefit, he already knows everything, but we are doing it for our own. Prayer syncs our hearts with His will, His plan. My life is not about me. I have to die to self daily and live for Christ. If it ever becomes all about me, then it is a waste. I would hate to get to Heaven one day and have to admit, "Oh hey God, I lived my life for myself..." It would be completely meaningless. 

Going back to Memphis is just the beginning of my journey. I want and desire for God to use me to do great things in life. What amazes me, is that He will. I just have to trust Him and be willing to go wherever He calls me to go. So in the words of Matt Papa, "Here and I send me, I'll follow wherever You lead."

 If you want to live a life of adventure and purpose, then I dare you to follow Christ.