“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart… Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid, for I will be with you and will protect you.” Jeremiah 1:5
God has been so good to me in the past couple of weeks. I have realized that he has been pruning me like crazy throughout this trip. At times I have been overwhelmed and frustrated, but God has shown me that all of those things have been so necessary to lead me into what he has for me. He had to break me down and cleanse my heart of a few things before he could show me what he has for me. Now, I’m beginning to see all that the future could hold. I believe that God is calling me to work with handicapped children. I don’t know how, but that is what God has really spoken into me in the past couple of days. I also believe that God is calling me to disciple youth, and I also have no clue what that looks like. The one thing I do know is that HE KNOWS ME!! I find so much comfort in that. He set me apart… ME!! How lucky am I that he wants to use me? How lucky am I that he loves me so much? I am so blessed! That’s where I am right now. My heart is bursting. My heart is yearning for everything that is in store. My heart is crying out. I know the journey from here will be beautiful no matter where I go because I know that God will be holding my hand and walking right beside me. God has lifted me out of my brokenness, and I can’t wait to come home and share that with everyone. Most of all, I can’t wait learn more and more about God’s calling on my life.
“There is so much I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth… He will tell you about the future.” John 16:12
I’m in such a great place of peace and rest, a place that I have been searching for for so long. It is beyond compare. And beyond words. I know there is so much that I have left to learn. I can’t know everything now. I know that God will reveal everything when the time comes. I have faith in that. All that he asks is that I seek.
Lauren, that is so awesome! I am so glad that God is blessing you richly in Africa and showing you a little of what He has in store for you later. I am so proud of you!! How awesome is it that you get to be God’s hands and feet in Jeffrey’s bay?! You are wonderful and amazing and I am praying for you constantly! I can’t wait for you to be back. Love you, JP