Joy

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." ~John 16:22

This evening I wasn't quite sure where I was going to read, but I knew I wanted to read a few verses in the Bible because I knew I needed it. So I opened to where I had a slip of paper still in my Bible and read in John 16 where I had underlined that above verse.

The overhead title in my Bible for John 16:16-24 is "Sorrow Will Turn to Joy" I love the promise of verse 22. How that our hearts will rejoice and nobody shall take away that joy.

I don't know, but it just encouraged me so much. It reminded me that no matter what we face in this life we will in the end have joy. And joy forever. I think that no matter how big the pain or struggles may be that we are facing, the joy will be great and stronger. These struggles are just temporary whereas our joy will be everlasting. It is everlasting. I'm so thankful that the Lord gives us some of that joy even here on earth, so that His joy can be our strength daily. I thought how cool it is that though the Lord tells us we will have trouble in this life, He also tells us we will have joy forever if only we believe in Him.

So basically it just really encouraged me. I know there are crazy, crazy things happening in this world today, and it was a great reminder how we as disciples of Christ get to hold onto that promise, the promise of everlasting life and joy. I wonder how often we forget to hold onto that, I know I do. But I'm very thankful that the Lord is so patient despite my sin and blesses me by bringing to my memory how much I really need to hold onto that joy. He is good.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

His Promise

Through many storms and many trials there stands a promise. A promise so full of peace and comfort it shines even in the darkest of nights. So when your hope seems gone, and your dreams are shattered, when you're alone on the raging sea of life and are drowning in your struggles...let it shine. Let the promise of His love uphold You, and may His grace always strengthen you. No matter where you are or what you've done, it's there. It's your night light always on, your beacon of hope. It's the sweet voice of your Savior, softly whispering to your heart, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

~Isaiah 41:10

Missions

I hope you all had a blessed Holiday Season! 

Though I know winter just began I must say I am already anxious for spring! I have started to think about possible upcoming mission trips this summer and I get so excited! Belize seems like a big possibility and I am really hoping this will be something God has in my future.

Germany still remains close to my heart as well. I definitely want to be on the next trip there if I feel that is where the Lord is leading. Part of me wants to go just there, but then, I realize that any other trip could be just as much of a blessing, as long as I follow His lead. I pray that I could do just that. 

The last couple days in particular, I have been very thankful for the trip to Berlin the Lord allowed me to go on this last summer. Something will make me remember the fun times there evanglizing, or the sweet time we as a team spent together, or even just a funny story, and I'll wish so much that I could go back. And I believe that someday I will.

Until then I pray that I could just follow wherever He may lead and as I love what my pastor said, "bloom where I am planted." 

I am very, very thankful that I was able to experience how much richer a mission trip can make your life. But I realize that you don't have to go out of the country to experience those blessings. Each day as you walk out of your room you're entering the mission field. I know many, many times I forget this, and get so caught up in my own struggles, but I am so thankful for the grace of God.

May we be a people who treat every day as a mission to lead others to Christ.

Psalm 85:13

Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.

"I pray for Your light to so shine

For me not to lose sight in these struggles of mine

Of the fact that this world is lost 

And it needs to know that You paid the cost

So may everything I say and do

Bring glory to You and only You"