In the past month, my life has been defined by one word: change. For a person who has gone to the same school for 11 years, the same church for 6 years, participated in the same activities for 6 years, and pretty much had the same set of friends for 8 years, change has not really played a big part in my life. However, in the past month I have become a "has-been" cheerleader (sad face), graduated from high school, started my first job, and signed up for my first semester as a college student. And let me just tell you, it has not been easy.
These past few weeks, I have had a really hard time finding peace in my circumstances. Three days ago, I made a trip to Troy for my freshman orientation. During my senior year, I pushed myself and worked so hard to be able to attend Troy, so needless to say I was super excited. However, when I got to campus, it just seemed to me that if something could go wrong, it would. I didn't get to room with anyone I knew, I was going to have to take an extra semester of classes before I could graduate, I had a scheduling mishap, the light was out in my bathroom, I had no toilet paper, the list just went on and on. While some of these things were significant, most were just small things that in the grand scheme of things have no significance. During my over night stay, I had plenty of time to think (overthink) about things, and begin to pity myself. "Why, God can nothing go right? I am already moving 3 hours away, I won't hardly know anyone (only a small handful), I haven't found where I "fit" yet, now all this?! I mean seriously, can't just one thing go my way?" I got myself so worked up, that I was not even sure I wanted to go to Troy anymore. After all the doors God had opened for me, all He had provided, I was ready to give it all up. That's when, to put it bluntly, I decided I needed to get my crap together.
One thing I pray over myself a lot is this: "Father, change my heart, or change my circumstance." I get so caught up in my pity parties, and the "why me"'s that I forget that God has it handled. So I began to pray this on my way to work yesterday. Then the song "Just Be Held" came on and this line absolutely captured me and hit my like a ton of bricks: "Your world's not falling apart, its falling into place." All the sudden I realized that it was not my circumstance that needed to be changed, it was my heart. If you are truly seeking God with all your heart in your situations, He will not let you get on the wrong path. Yes, we as sinless people will mess up, But in the end, God's plan will prevail, and He will have you right where He wants you, and all for HIS glory. It is absolutely impossible for me to think back on how I ended up at Troy, and not see God's hand all in it. I have no doubt in my mind that I will be right where the Lord wants me. Things are not falling apart for me, they are just now starting to come together.
Have you been praying for something in your life to change, and you haven't seen it happen yet? Maybe you need to start praying for a heart change instead. Ask yourself: How can I use this situation to glorify God? What is God wanting from me? For me, I believe that God is wanting to stretch me. He is wanting to take me far beyond my comfort zone, and make me fully trust in Him. He wants me to step out in faith. He wants me to grow. He wants be to become more like Him. And I am ready.
-Amy
Friday, June 24, 2016
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Blessed to Be a Blessing
This past week I had the opportunity to go to Memphis, Tennessee with 26 of the best teenagers ever (and some pretty cool chaperones) and preach the gospel and work on various other projects. It was my 4th time at this particular location, and it was amazing like all the other times have been. On Monday, we began a sports camp with the sweetest kids ever. Throughout the week, they learned more about football, basketball, and cheerleading, but they also learned more about Jesus. It did not take long at all for each one of them to steal our hearts! We watched them become more advanced in the skills they were learning and we watched them grow more eager to hear the Word of God. The Lord did a great work in the kids' hearts, as well as in the hearts of our youth group. For me, leaving on the last day gets harder and harder every year. I have learned so much from these trips over the years, and I believe that a lot of what I have learned could be beneficial to many people, so I thought I would share.
For starters, I have learned what it means to put others before myself. Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." There were many times on our trip that I could have chosen to be selfish. There were moments when I was tired; it was an exhausting trip! However, I had to learn to not let that get in my way. I had to put 100% of my energy into loving kids, teaching them about Jesus, being the best example I could be, and everything else that related to our mission. The struggle of selfishness is not just something that happens on mission trips! It is something we (including myself) must strive defeat everyday in order to have a more Christlike attitude.
Another major thing I have learned is that God has us where we are at any given moment for a reason. From all these trips, I have discovered my heart for children and for missions. I would pack my bags and move to Memphis tonight if I could! However, I know that's not God's plan for me right now. That doesn't mean I can't find somewhere to serve where I am currently! There will always be someone I can share the love of Christ with wherever I'm at. I have seen a lot of people become discouraged because they have some big dream for their life and they know exactly where they want to be, but it just won't come soon enough. I am guilty of this as well. God has shown me to be patient and to make the most of where I am right now.
A third thing I have learned is how to love like Jesus loved. Jesus loved boldly. Jesus loved graciously. Jesus loved unconditionally. All too often we stay in our comfort zones because we are scared. Sometimes we don't want to forgive someone because they have hurt us. We even pay more attention to the outward appearance of others rather than what is on the inside. The Lord has called us to so much more than that!! Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." That means we are called to love everyone, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what they have done to us.
Through these mission trips, I have been blessed to be a blessing. I hope what I have learned will help others as well!
-Bekah
For starters, I have learned what it means to put others before myself. Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." There were many times on our trip that I could have chosen to be selfish. There were moments when I was tired; it was an exhausting trip! However, I had to learn to not let that get in my way. I had to put 100% of my energy into loving kids, teaching them about Jesus, being the best example I could be, and everything else that related to our mission. The struggle of selfishness is not just something that happens on mission trips! It is something we (including myself) must strive defeat everyday in order to have a more Christlike attitude.
Another major thing I have learned is that God has us where we are at any given moment for a reason. From all these trips, I have discovered my heart for children and for missions. I would pack my bags and move to Memphis tonight if I could! However, I know that's not God's plan for me right now. That doesn't mean I can't find somewhere to serve where I am currently! There will always be someone I can share the love of Christ with wherever I'm at. I have seen a lot of people become discouraged because they have some big dream for their life and they know exactly where they want to be, but it just won't come soon enough. I am guilty of this as well. God has shown me to be patient and to make the most of where I am right now.
A third thing I have learned is how to love like Jesus loved. Jesus loved boldly. Jesus loved graciously. Jesus loved unconditionally. All too often we stay in our comfort zones because we are scared. Sometimes we don't want to forgive someone because they have hurt us. We even pay more attention to the outward appearance of others rather than what is on the inside. The Lord has called us to so much more than that!! Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." That means we are called to love everyone, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what they have done to us.
Through these mission trips, I have been blessed to be a blessing. I hope what I have learned will help others as well!
-Bekah
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