The Next Step

I figure a new blog design calls for a new post as well! And it's perfect timing as I actually have something to share! Since I've been back from Africa, my thoughts and prayers have revolved around the question, "Okay God, what's next??" As a girl that likes to have a game plan, it's been a tad stressful not knowing what the next step in my journey will be. I'm enjoying my work with the homeless at Catholic Charities, and my involvement with Church activities...but my heart still longs to be on the mission field (preferably with a husband in tow!) I had spent the months prior to my trip to Africa completely content in who God is and who I am in Him without a guy in my life. I wasn't looking to date and nicely turned down anyone that showed interest. I had several friends that traveled to do foreign missions, and then promptly after returning home, they met their husbands and got married. That sounded like a good plan, so post Africa, that's what I was looking for the "next step" in my journey to be. Insert Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

I was praying and talking through a lot of things with God this morning and praying again that He would be the One to fill my needs, desires, etc instead of a guy. I mentioned to Him that I'm dreading winter, the cold and the holidays because I know that's my lonely season. And then it occurred to me...if God and I can go half way around the world to a third world country, just us...then surely we can get through the holidays together, just us! He is more than Enough and I want to experience that this winter in what is normally my lonely season. I want to be able to say that I conquered a season, that I usually dread, with my King. I'm not necessarily excited about my least favorite season, but I feel that being able to get through it with just God and a different perspective on my circumstances, knowing that He is Enough and WILL fill me and satisfy me, is the next step in my journey with my Father, Best Friend, and Husband. I feel like God is teaching me to see Him as Creator and King now. It's exciting seeing His majesty and glory and I hope to experience it more deeply this season. I normally complain this time of the year because my emotions seem to reflect whatever the weather is doing...if it's gloomy outside, I'm gloomy, if it's sunny, I'm sunny...but unlike the weather, my King does not change. So I can have His Joy all year long, no matter rainy or sunny, cold or warm. He doesn't change. I'm excited that God has revealed the next step in my walk with Him AND that I already know I'm a victor and conqueror through His power at work in me. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." ~2 Corinthians 12:9