Purpose

One of the hardest parts about living abroad and being in so many places is the lack of Christian fellowship. I haven't been to any worship services in seven weeks. Praise the Lord for the internet where I can watch sermons online and communicate with my friends and family back home.

I am blessed to have much godly counsel in my close circle. I have been so encouraged this last week by so many people. Some of them don't even know my current situation, which makes their advice mean all the more.

One sweet lady, who has been in my life since I was born, told me this:

"Enjoy every place and every experience, knowing that God will use all of it in your future."

That really hit me. Despite how hard some days might be, God has a plan in all of it!

He has called me to be here in this specific time with these specific people for a reason. It is not by mistake that I am here. His plan is bigger than mine and He can see beyond these days, even when I cannot.

I just finished watching a sermon by Beth Moore called God's Purpose for Your Life.

She said something that really made me think:

"Life is hard. Why not make hard matter?"

I'm going to face difficulty in my life. That's a given. It's what I chose to do with it that matters. I can wish this time away, or I can be present and relevant.

As hard as it is at times, I choose to be relevant. I don't want this time to be wasted.

Living abroad is not all fun and glamorous. Living alone abroad is definitely not all fun and glamorous.

But the Lord has me here with a specific purpose in mind.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for me and encouraged me. You know who you are! Your words mean more than I can say.

This experience has already taught me so much. I've had a lot of time to think and really spend time in the Word. I know at the end of this that I will be a completely different person.

Hopefully I can look back and say it mattered!