Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Changing of Seasons

The word change scares a lot of people in the world today. We are faced with the unknown and something that is so unfamiliar to the life we are living right now. Change can be good and sometimes change can be bad. It's in these moments of change that I find myself completely dependent on the Author of my story. If you would have told me five years ago that I would be graduating from college, getting married to the most amazing guy in the world, and then picking up our new life and moving to South Africa I might have thought you were crazy. The past year of my life has had some of the most joyful times and some of the hardest times. Through everything one thing stayed consistent; the sovereignty and love of our Father. He has been preparing me for this season in my life from the very beginning. He has given me the desire to be a wife and love my husband unconditionally through everything. He has given me the passion and love for people that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world. Then He came along and grew my heart for the people of Cape Town and the ministry that is taking place there. He continued to show up in my life and truly showed me what it means to sacrifice and be obedient to His calling and not my own. As I look to the future and all the "unknowns" it excites me more then ever. I don't know exactly what the future looks like for my new family in South Africa, but I do know that my Father has gone before me and knows exactly how we're going to be used. I know there will be times of hardship, when it feels like we've hit a wall and there is no way around it. I pray that in those times we will cling to our Father's feet and let him guide us. Change can be scary sometimes, but the big change that is about to happen in my life is going to be one of the most exciting moments in my life. He has opened door after door to get us to this place. I have no doubt in my mind that Nathan and I are right in the center of His will for our life and I've never been in a better place. My prayer is that we cling to the words of Paul in Philippians 4. "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-REJOICE! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all that he has done. Then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus!" God has already blessed us beyond what we deserved and will continue to poor those blessings on us. Though the seasons will continue to change, I pray that the way we carry the name of Jesus will bring glory to his name always. In the midst of all the "unknowns" ahead of us, our God is the one thing that will never change. Thank you for this new season of life Father! I'm so excited and ready to experience ALL you have for us!