Hey hey all!
133 days. That’s how many days I have left–to walk on Maryland’s soil, to sleep in my own bed, and to hug my parents goodnight. Things are getting real, and they’re getting hard. The enemy only attacks what is valuable. As I near my start date, I’m propelled and excited to live in ministry across the globe, but I’m also fighting the feeling of loneliness. School is coming to an end and friendships are drifting. I’m seeing worldliness grow and obedience dissipate. Yet here I stand, firm in the promise of my calling, ready to give even life and breath for the Lord. I feel in the minority.
As I see, feel, and comprehend the changes around me, I’m both heartbroken and encouraged. I see an old chapter ending and a new one beginning. My heart is breaking at the distancing of those around me, yet my soul is encouraged knowing the blessing and consecration coming from this.
My whole life I haven’t fit in. I’ve experienced the Lord in mighty ways since the very beginning, and He’s granted me the faith to walk with Him. Because of that faith, I’ve lived an outsider’s life–much like Jesus did. For those born of the spirit are no longer of this world, so I can’t expect to fit in. And though all my life I’ve lived this way, it’s been especially evident these past few weeks, as I examine the path I’m taking and the footsteps of those around me. I pray revival for the surrounding souls. That hearts would be softened, minds would receive, and eyes be opened. That those wandering would come back. That I would be an encouragement, a light not hid under a basket. That He would use me, keep me steady, keep me humble, empower me to love well, and walk me on the strait and narrow, for His name’s sake.
As you can probably tell, life has been heavy lately. But, my Lord’s burden is light and He gives freely and abundantly to those who ask.
I know that He works all things for good, and I’m grateful to walk through this with Him, as He teaches me that HE is all I truly need.
Though friendships may drift and times may change, He remains the same. He stands steadfast with arms open wide, holding my hand. It’s me and Him, and I’m learning to be ok with that. I’m learning what it is to love Him more than anything He’s created. To praise Him and be honored by Him. To learn hard lessons in safe places.
In order to receive the relationships coming, I must first rest in the one already here.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Go in peace now….
~Rissa🫶
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