I’ve been reflecting on Korea these past few weeks and what that has meant to me so far. So many thoughts and emotions flooded back to me but overall I think I’m realizing how much Korea has been a CHANGING period for me. I think a lot of us can agree that the experiences we’ve had here are ones that we will never forget and ones that will have a lasting effect on our lives. It reminds me of one of our favorite songs… oh how he loves us… when she says “you’re never the same! You’re never the same once you encounter the love of God!” not gunna lie… I do mock her sometimes… its kinda humorous. Anyway, I’ve come to realize the reality of that statement. It’s so true. Once you encounter God’s love, you can’t help but be moved by it and changed into more of his image. That’s how great and transcendent his love his, it changes you forever. These last 6 months in Korea have been a drastic period of change for me, change of heart, of attitude, of purpose, of relationship, and of my perspective of God. It’s been such a beautiful process, not always easy or enjoyable but one I’m so grateful for. The true meaning of community has been revealed to me through all of you girls. It’s a concept I’ve never really grasped but have received here in a more abundant and stronger way than I could have ever expected or asked for. I can’t believe that 6 months have flown by this fast, I can’t believe all I’ve learned and experienced in such a short amount of time, and I cant imagine what the next 6 months could possibly hold. So I guess now I’m learning my purpose and role in Christ and in the world. Searching and trusting in God’s perfect plan for my life, whatever that may entail. It’s a somewhat scary but exciting place to be in. So I guess all that to say, reading what Kel wrote, I couldn’t agree more. Faith is so much more vital to our relationship with God than I think we often realize. It’s our foundation and our hope, our comfort and our encouragement, our challenges and our triumphs. I think we are all at a point in our lives when faith is so crucial to our future. I don’t where I’m going and when I’m going there but I am confident that as long as I’m growing in my faith, I’ll be fine. I’ll be provided for and doing exactly what I should be.
I know that was kinda long already, but I was reminded of another one of God’s graces today that I thought I’d share. I was reading in Genesis 16 about Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. After God told Abram he would bear a son at his old age to continue his heir, he allowed Sarai to convince him that that had to be through her mistress, Hagar. Silly, silly man… anyway, he listened to his wife and conceived a child through Hagar. Once Hagar bore this son, Sarai was upset with her for doing so, even though she was just being obedient. So Abram gave her permission to treat Hagar however she wanted to, to suffice her jealousy and anger. The Scripture says Sarai dealt harshly with her. Now I can only imagine what that really meant, I’m sure it was a combination of physical abuse, verbal abuse, and many other terrible things. It was so bad, Hagar fled. Well God met Hagar on her journey to get away. And guess what he told her. He told her to go back. To go back to the people who hated her and mistreated her. To go back to a life of daily pain and frustration. And why? She was only being obedient, she didn’t ask to sleep with Abram, she didn’t even have a choice. And now she has to deal with the repercussions of their stupid mistake. And after all that, God tells her she has to stay there. Imagine her frustration with God, her feelings of anger, abandonment, violation, and hopelessness. But she is obedient. She goes back regardless of her own plan and desires. Now I don’t know how she felt once she got back but I do know it required a lot of faith on her part. Faith that God would come through, that he would provide her with strength and joy in such a bad situation. And I’m sure God was honored and pleased by her obedience. And that he was faithful to take care of her through it all. This was so encouraging for me because I don’t know what or where I’m going or doing next, but I’m preparing my heart for the good and the bad. I may or may not agree with Him on it or be excited about it. And if he asks me to go to a place I don’t want to go or don’t see a purpose in, I have to be faithful in believing that he will provide for me, in every way. So I just really loved that story and it was so perfect for me to hear. Hope it is encouraging for you girls too.
Sorry this is so incredibly long... didnt know I had this much to say
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Oh Tay... thanks for your words! It's so funny because I've recently read the story of Hagar and Sarah but hadn't thought about it in that light. So thanks for shedding new light on the Word, sista. Lovin' you.
ReplyDeletecouldn't agree more with u tay. that our time here in korea is a time for growth. to think back the last 6 months have been a whirl wind of a time. can't hold it all in, but as God as my foundation, and as our foundation as a community, we can only grow further in our relationships with one another and with Him!.. lovin u always.
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