please join me in Romans 15. this is a super cool passage that has given me so much hope. Paul speaks of his desire to visit the church in Rome, he's had a desire to fellowship with them and enjoy their company. yet, he's doing what God has called and going into places he hasn't been. he's going into these places to preach the gospel of Jesus. all along, Paul remains completely convinced that when he does visit Rome, after his task is complete, he will have the fullest blessing of the Lord to enjoy their company before moving on again. then, in closing, Paul asks the Romans to join him in praying for the time that still separates them. for his safety and security with an opposed people, for the softening of unbelieving hearts and acceptance of the gospel, and finally that his return to Rome will be refreshingly filled with joy!
as many of you may know, i'm studying abroad next year, all year. starting off in Florence, Italy and then going to New York City. i've had this huge fear that i wouldn't be able to keep in touch with my friends from Kent. either i'd be too out of the loop or we would lose contact altogether. the combination of my fears about losing the comforts of my Kent-home have had me second guessing if this is what i'm supposed to do, i've been doubting my endeavor all along. but this passage speaks so clearly into my situation. i may not be going with the specific intent to preach the gospel, but i am still a missionary of the Lord. i am still going to uncharted territories and my life will be my message; to my roommates, those we travel with, and locals in Florence who will get to know my face. i know i will return to Kent in the right timing, and it is then that i will be able to fully experience the joys and refreshments of community!
this is where i get to ask you all to join in praying for me. please pray for our entire groups' travels, that we would arrive safely without harm to ourselves or our things. also, that i would stay strong in my faith while being away. please ask God to remind me daily to cling to the promises of His Word. and finally, pray about contacting me. i would very much enjoy receiving your iMessages, as WiFi permits, or seeing your lovely faces via Skype or Google+ hangout!
i am turning this trip over to God. by giving Him this big chapter in my life, i expect that He will show up in big ways. i am going to join with Paul, as he said in Colossians, and let Christ's peace rule in my heart, as i boldly and with confidence trust in the Word of God.
thank you in advance for your continuing prayers for me. i am so thankful for all of you.
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