4 Life Lessons in 1 Month

Today officially marks one month since we moved to Asia. And I have to admit, my heart has never been so content. I believe that when you are exactly where the Lord wants you, you just feel a constant peace and joy about each moment.  Truly, we could not be happier. We can’t help but smile as we sing praises to the One who orchestrated all of this.

When we moved here, I began praying that the Lord would shape me, mold me, and transform me. And goodness He has already begun teaching me so many lessons in this short month. {truly the month flew by! Hope the rest of this year doesn’t go as quickly!} None of the truths He has been whispering to me are new- but they are needed. Abba is renewing the truth He has spoken to me time and time again.

Leap. And leap far. There have been so many instances in the past month where Caleb and I have had to take a leap of faith. And goodness, each leap has been so rewarding. Each leap forces us to trust that the Lord has a plan. Each leap forces us to realize that Abba holds us in His hand. Each leap forces us to let the Spirit lead our every step. There have definitely been many bumps along the way, but they are all just part of the story the Lord is writing in our lives. Say yes. Leap.

It is okay to be afraid. I was definitely Jonah when Caleb told me the Lord had been re-stirring his desire to move to Thailand. I know Caleb and I know that he is pursuing the Lord. I know that his desires are a result of the Lord’s calling. But I was afraid. I had always wanted to live abroad, but I had envisioned more of a glamorous European city. Not somewhere in Asia. When Caleb told me that the Lord had begun putting Thailand on his heart again two years ago, I basically said no thank you- just like Jonah. But in time, the Lord worked on my heart and gave me the same passion for a country and city I had never been to. I quit letting fear hold me back. It’s okay to be afraid. It’s not okay to let that fear hinder opportunity. God is bigger than anything we can confront. This month the Lord has taught me that it is okay to be afraid. I just have to recognize that Abba is bigger and that He is walking with me, guiding my every step.

You don’t have to be perfect for God to use you. I am a broken sinner. Living in a dirty city. There are things about my past that I would do differently if given the chance. But you know what- the Lord uses my broken pieces. We each have our own story- unique to you and you alone. God meets us where we are at and goes before us. He makes my broken self-whole.

We all have a story to tell. And each of our stories matter. We each have stories of brokenness, of tragedy, of redemption, of joy, of triumph, of wonder.  God uses each of our stories to redeem and encourage one another. God wants us to be bold with our story. He wants us to be brave with our lives.

God is good. Life is beautiful, but it is not always easy. I pray that over the next 11 months the Lord continues to teach me. I pray that when we hit our one-year mark of living in Thailand, I will be able to look back and see the transformation. I pray others will be able to see the transformation. I pray lives will be changed for His glory through this transformation. God is so good. I cannot wait to see what He has in store for the rest of this year and for the years to come!