Remember your Blessings

I am so excited about serving in the Congo, and am so blessed to be going. But, for some reason this morning, I woke up worried about funding and raising enough money to go or somehow coming up short. (I need funding for roundtrip flights, and it's 630 per month to live, along with other additional personal expenses) I went downstairs for my morning routine of coffee and reading. This morning I read through some of Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 4:14 says, "Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!" The situation Nehemiah was talking about was vastly different and far more severe than my small hypothetical worry. But this showed me to glance at my situation/worry, and to not be afraid, because my GOD is GREAT and GLORIOUS. Also, it says REMEMBER. This immediately caused me to remember when GOD provided before (both the opportunity and funds) on my previous mission trips.

Here is what I remember God did before. I have had a heart for missions both here and overseas. [I believe we are a missionary no matter where we are. We are Christ's and we are to share His love near and far] . I desired to go on my first mission trip and sought out trips, but for some reason it just wasn't happening. So 2011 after a final failed attempt to go on a trip with my friend to Africa, and not getting any responses from the leader who was extremely busy, I gave up. I prayed "Lord I know you've put this desire in my heart. I am tired of chasing things that aren't your will.. So if you want me to go on a mission, send someone to ask me to go with them."..I prayed that prayer one time. I knew it was a little far-fetched but I prayed in Faith. Three days later I was downtown feeding the homeless under a bridge, and a Volunteer who I always saw there but didn't really know asked me to "come over here" beside a van and said "Hey Hannah, do you have an inchin' to go on a mission trip" ...Yes... "Do you have an inchin' to go to Africa?!" ...YES! ...and he continues to say "Well I lived there for ten years and want to take a trip...etc etc...I'll plan the trip around your schedule...etc."...Prayer answered. So I wrote my letters and sure enough God provided....not just for Kenya, but  provided enough funds and the exact amount I needed to go to Romania 3 months later where I was asked to join a team whom I'd worked for in Colorado the previous summer. God Provided and He will again.

I am working, cleaning out my closets, getting rid of my stuff to sell, redoing furniture, and have a bunch of things my sweet sister-in-law surprised me with the other day for me to sell. We HAVE to starve our fear/worry and FEED OUR FAITH...All day, I've been intentionally remembering all of the ways God has cared for me and provided for me.  So today again...of course God proves to me I shouldn't worry but instead Trust. I wasn't feeling well and left work a little early to come to my parent's house before the high school service tonight and rest. Our dear friend and neighbor Jackie came over and brought a bowl of her soup just because she's sweet and loves cooking (and boy do we love it). I walked up to the door to say hi, and she all of a sudden looks at me and goes "We're gonna get you to Africa baby!!!" I didn't even know she knew I was going yet, but she and my mom talk all the time so she of course already heard the news. My mom had told her earlier about me wanting to have a fundraiser garage sale. Little did I know that my sweet neighbors had been brainstorming for me, and had recruited her friends/children to gather their unwanted things for my sale, telling me the things they were going to bake to sell, and countless other things and ideas she told me about to help get me to Africa. I feel like I can't explain fully how shocked and touched I was to hear this good news and how I had been so unaware just an hour prior of all the love and support I have received. I was in tears at the love I feel from friends, family, and my Heavenly Father.


Even looking back at posts I've made, I am seeing how much the Lord is teaching me repeatedly to trust and obey him. Each day has new opportunities we can either trust God with or worry about. Trust is a daily thing that we have to give to God. I have learned that I must not only trust, but trust JOYFULLY and in thankfulness ahead of time of what God can and will do. I have learned that if He wants me there, he will get me there. He can do all things. Let us remember the LORD who is Great and Glorious.

Philippians 4:6-7:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Ephesian 3:20:  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16:  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

 

 

 

 Love,

Han