Some things in life come and go and I’m thankful for this friendship who has remained constant.
Since returning from our trip this summer, the devil has tried to get his foot in the door what seems like greater than ever. Struggling with insecurities I haven’t dealt with in years, believing lies about myself, and getting caught up in the worldly “standard” that I don’t measure up to.
Thankfully in this season, I have this sister who I can always count on to be honest with me and push me towards the cross above everything else.
Whether exploring a new city, going on mission across the globe, or watching Survivor while eating Hibachi... I’m thankful for this Jesus-loving friendship today!
-Lauren
2019 Tropical Harvester Team
Philippines
This morning during my quite time, I came across Psalms 104 which speaks of God’s creations. All of the animals and the landscapes that He has made that bring glory to His name.
There was an animal in Kenya called a hyrax. These animals were everywhere and one of the funniest memories I have while I was in Kenya was one being on the roof and everyone thinking that it was going to attack at any moment.
Psalms 104 talks about how God has provided for the animals that He created and in verse 18 it says “the cliffs are a refuge for the hyraxes.” How cool is it that God provided the cliffs as a refuge of protection for these animals. If God cares so much even about the hyraxes well-being then think about how much he cares for His children and wants to provide them with abundantly more. In Leviticus 5 it talks about how the hyraxes are considered unclean. Yet God still cared and provided for them. It’s so amazing that we too, unclean sinners, can be
washed clean by His mercy and grace. God’s plans for us is exceedingly more than the hyrax. I’m thankful for God showing me His compassion and just how much He loves and cares for His children this morning.
-Madison W.
Camp & Community 2019
Kenya
This summer we were given 26 Bible verses to learn and one of the first ones I memorized was James 1:2-4... Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of all kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. And let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Whenever my faith was tested this summer I would always think back and remember those words. I do have to admit a lot of times I did not have the right mindset and would get frustrated when opposition stood in my way and forget the truths that God tells His children. I would always tell my girls this summer that God would be with them through their hills and valleys. He would be with them through their highest of highs and their lowest of lows. But I would often forget that truth myself.
Ever since I have been home from Africa, I have had a lot of anxiety from transferring to a new school, adding a major, transitioning back to “normal” routine, and just the daily stresses of life. James 1:2-4 has been continually coming up. We were given the book of James to write an exegetical paper on for one of my Bible classes, so after reading James daily I have had the ability to meditate a lot on God’s promises that are seen in James 1:2-4.
Although in the midst of our trials is not very pretty or fun and it can hurt a lot, but when we endure the suffering just as Christ did for us, there in that valley, our faith is strengthened which is such a beautiful thing. But we can’t just endure them, God tells us that we must endure our trials with a joy that is genuine. Pure joy is found only in Christ, who came and gave himself for us. I am often guilty of looking for happiness in things that the world loves, but joy that is genuine comes from knowing God and seeking His will for our life.
James then goes on to tell us in verse 12 “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”. Our pain has a good reason, God has promised us that if we endure our trials with joy that we will be rewarded with the “crown of life”, which is forever with Jesus, how awesome is that?
So, if you need an encouragement today, know that God promises us that our pain has a purpose. It is there to stretch us and grow us. It makes us into the Christian that He has called each of us to be. What’s so comforting is that we do not have to suffer alone, God does not abandon us during our hard times, He is with us and He is guiding us. Rest on the truth of His promises. The same God that was with you on your hill will be with you in your valley. Praise Him for your trials, because there is purpose in your affliction.
-Madison W.
Camp & Community 2019
Kenya
