What comes to mind when you think of someone experiencing God – a person on their knees, crying out for mercy and forgiveness? We are constantly reminded of our faults and unworthiness before the Lord. But how often do we look in the mirror and think “God delights in me.” He made us to take joy in Him and designed all the little quirks that we try to hide.
We all know God calls us to have a childlike faith. Yet, too often I think of myself as the naughty child and God the disappointed parent. I forget that God desires me to have the confidence and joy that children have – the joy Adam and Eve had, before they realized their nakedness and were ashamed before God.
I could go on about the fun and memorable experiences I had at training camp. Instead, I will try to convey one message God made clear to me on our last night as we worshipped and took communion together – I don’t have to be ashamed that I have doubts, questions, longings and fears about the upcoming year. God expects me to be unsure at times, and He will use those feelings to reveal his strength and power. I can surrender and give him my heart, and he will hold it in his hands. He has the whole world in his hands. As we sang that song in a circle, all holding hands and dancing like children, I knew this is what God had in mind when he created man…just a bunch of kids, unashamed in their joy before the Lord and complete in His love.
God filled me to the brim with joy this past week and affirmed that I am following his direction in going on this trip. For two months, I will be serving his name in Mexico and learning practical ministry tools with 27 other participants. I will then go with my smaller team of 8 (we call ourselves the morado family) to Granada, Nicaragua, for 5 months. Please lift up my team and the people of Granada in prayer. I still need to raise almost $1,000 in funds to cover the costs of living and airfare, but I am constantly reminded that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. I will keep ya’ll posted on a time and date for my going away party/donor celebration dinner in September. Thank you for everything and God Bless!
Liana, I’m so happy that through the holy spirit, you felt God’s “seal of approval” for your trip through this prep week. It’s clear you are trying to follow God through every step you make and that’s truly admirable. God bless you Liana, my sister in Christ.
told you. Also, I love this because I am trying to focus on joy and celebration. It seems as if we have lost those concepts in the journey to perfection; it would be nice to have them back.
Really looking forward to ministering here with you! I’m really excited about it. What a privilege it is to be a part of this with you and your team. Looks like I’ll see you guys in Mexico in November.