The Place of Hope
It had been a year since my feet were this dirty, and my stomach had forgotten how to hold so much rice. I’ve had to remind myself that big whiffs aren’t always necessary and retrain my body to jump into the traffic. I’ve remembered how much I love skipping down pot-holed streets and praying peace over new places, and I think I’ve successfully tricked my tastebuds into enjoying spicy things. I had forgotten how much fun it was to laugh my way through a market, surrounded by hundreds of people from whom I long to hear stories. That fiery red sunset never ceases to remind me of the Lord’s gentle power, and this team makes it easy to say I’ll soon call India home.
During a layover on my way here, the Lord gave me a little time (9 hours to be exact) to reflect on where I’ve been and gain passion for where I want to go. He reminded me of deep laughter, convicting conversations, and sweet moments of impact in my life. I was blown away. The Lord gives us so many promises, and He never fails to uphold each and every one. I know I say that a lot, but how can I not when His fulfilled promises are the foundation of all I believe? We get to truly live because Jesus died and rose again. We are able to climb up to the mountaintops because we know the One who promises to lead us there from the valleys. We express what we feel and who we are because our Father promises to fill us with His profound creativity. We graciously and humbly walk in present truth because of significant past promises.
We were driving down the street today and I saw my favorite flowers, lantanas. They have been my favorite for some years, and the super sweet thing is that I’ve seen them in abundance in every country I’ve gone to, so they’ve become a reminder of the Lord’s constant presence. I’ve always seen them in pale pinks, oranges, and yellows, but today they were deep red. Bold, fiery, red. Immediately when they caught my eye, the Lord spoke, “this is my promise for even greater passion.” Let me tell ya, folks… Life with the Lord is a good, good life.
India had my heart long before the first time I stepped foot onto the country. Then I came and experienced the beauty of her people and the ways the Lord is sweeping across this nation. Three months later I cried on the balcony of a school because, though I knew good and well the Lord told me I would be back, I didn’t think it would be for another ten or fifteen years. And one year later, here I am, receiving even more promises of what this life will be. Are there new obstacles in this season of preparation and transition? Yes. Is it easy? No. Are there ever doubts running through my mind? Quite frequently. But that’s the beauty of trust. That’s the place of hope. That’s the authority of faith.
We get to lead lives full of vibrant passion because we know the One who promises and provides the power. Thanks, Jesus.
