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May 26, 2011

What's Next?

I find it hard to believe that four years has come and gone so quickly, and it's amazing how everything comes full circle. Looking back, I know now that college was less about what I learned academically (thought I did learn a lot) and more about what I learned spiritually.

I distinctively remember a freak out moment I was having through conversation with my roommate, Melanie, second semester of my freshman year. It seemed that every other freshman had some sort of "career goal," a specific reason as to why they were working toward a degree in this or that, while I had not a clue of why I was a Communication Studies major. At the time, my knowledge of the Word was minimal, so when Melanie presented me with a verse I had never heard before, I clung to it tightly, and it's a verse even more dear to my heart today. The verse is Jeremiah 29:11. A popular verse, yes, but being someone who doesn't believe in coincidences, I trust that the conversation I had with Mel over four years ago was God ordained.

Like I mentioned earlier, everything truly does come full circle, because at the beginning of the second semester of my senior year I had another one of those freak out moments. "Why am I getting this degree? Will all this college debt really be worth it?" Once again, I was brought back to Jeremiah 29:11, but little did I know, the verse would soon become very literal in my life.

A few weeks prior to graduation my next step was revealed. Through prayer, fasting, and more God ordained conversations, parts of my future became clear very quickly. On August 2, I will be on my way to Virginia to "work" for a ministry called, Tour 29:11, named after none other than Jeremiah 29:11. See what I mean by literal? But, for me, this isn't just a job...it's a calling. And even though I know at times it won't be an easy one, I also know I am so blessed to be called in such a way.

The other night I was reading Isaiah, and Isaiah 61:1-3 hit me in a mighty way.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Jesus truly lived His life selflessly. He was called to "preach good news," and that's exactly what He did. I believe this is what God is calling each of us to do, as well, with whatever job we may hold. I am beyond excited to live this calling out, but I know it won't be by anything I could do alone. It can only be done by surrendering my life completely to Christ and allowing Him to work through me.

Yes, this is a summer of continual surrender.

No, this is a LIFE of continual surrender...

May 23, 2011

Worth It

When I look back now
on all the pain I've come to feel
I've found that it's worth
being able to watch You heal

Because what's a faith untested?
What's a spirit not grown?
Who is God if not given the chance
for His grace to be shown?

May 21, 2011

Freedom

I believed the lies
That were twisted
And presented as truth

I believed the lies
That boxed me in
And stifled my spirit

I believed the lies
That made timid
what was strong and assured

Now

I believe the truth
That is burning
And presented as faith

I believe the truth
That opens doors
And lights the match of hope

I believe the truth
That makes stronger
what was weak and unsure

I believe in the truth

That I am re-found
I am refined
I am renewed

I believe in the truth

That He is leading
He is seeking
He is fighting

I believe in the truth

That He is setting me free