So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:14He is providing in unfathomable ways.
This trip began with me asking the Lord out of desperation: "Will you break me? Will you bring me to a place where I can no longer rely on myself, to a place in which I am scared and lonely so that I can turn no where else but to you?" Really, it's the reason I even wanted to come on a trip to the middle east. It was a really selfish reason, and I'm willing to admit my selfishness. When I thought of the middle east, I thought how it could scare me into obedience and how the tough times could help me fall in love with God. I really didn't think about the intense need here. I didn't know that out of all of the laborers in the world who are sharing the Good News, less than 2% are reaching the Muslim nations. I didn't know that 1 in 6 people in the world were Muslim. I didn't know how desperate the need for laborers.
And now I know. He's shown me His heart for His people. But, He's also been unbelievably and indescribably faithful: He has begun to answer my incredibly selfish prayers. He is so gracious and merciful! Even though my heart for this trip was not in the right place, He still chooses to lavish love and mercy upon me. I can't even begin to describe the Love I am encountering.
I knew this trip would challenge me. I knew this trip would change me. The Lord is exceeding my expectations and He is no where near finished.
Grace and peace,
Shayla M.
Thinking about you today (every day) and when I read this I knew why. I, too, have the understanding that God loves us, pure and simple. Even when our hearts or lives aren't in the right spot, he helps us move there and THEN blesses us beyond our understanding. Life is precious and so are you. Know you are loved and prayed for every day. Machelle
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you my dear girl. I will especially pray for your transition back into "real" life here in the states. Coming down off the mountain-top experience that you are having right now could be a reverse culture shock, but hold on to your Father who loves you and remember all of the lessons that He is teaching you where you are right now. I'm so eager to hear your stories and see the pictures.
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