“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” — Chinese Proverb
My freshman year of college is over. Wow. Such a strange, bittersweet feeling. This past year has challenged me in ways I never knew could be possible. I have grown so much – scholastically, emotionally, and most of all spiritually. My faith has been yanked, tugged, and challenged in ways it never has before, and while I still don’t have much of it figured out – I know I am the better for all of it. Gone are the days of accepting what I’ve always been told, what I’ve always known to be true. It’s been a rough year, but wow was it worth it. All the hurts, all the tears, all the stress, and all the confusion has thrown me to my knees and consequently brought me nearer and closer to my Creator. Still not where I need to be, but getting there… God has blessed me with more than I could have ever imagined this past year. He has placed so many dear people in my life, friends that I have learned so much from. I have been given a glimpse into His heart through the lives and actions of friends. So many beautiful hearts, all yearning & striving after Him. They have been such an encouragement to me and most definitely an answer to prayer.
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned this past year is that God is faithful. He has shown this to me time and time again. No matter what happens He is, and will always be, right there holding my hand, whispering in my ear “Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) What beautiful assurance! God has proven faithful through the happy times dancing & frolicking with me when life goes well, and providing me the joy to dance & frolic when the darkness hits. Through all the hurts and all the suffering, He has been there and has given me the strength to make it through. He has proven faithful as I’ve searched for the truth, providing me with ways in which to find answers. And He has proven faithful as I’ve stepped out on faith and as I’ve allowed him to mold & shape me into who I need to be – giving me the courage, the strength, and the wisdom to change. He is faithful.
I approach this summer with wariness, not knowing what to expect. Already many of the plans I have been scheming about are becoming less and less likely. Do I fight to make them happen? Or do I acquise and look for other ways to serve God this summer? Am I being too possessive of my plans? Even though I feel like they are from God? It seems so obvious to me that this is what God desires for me, but is it? Are the doors slamming shut in my face God telling me to take another path or Satan trying to make me take another path? I need wisdom, Abba. How can I best glorify You this summer?
I leave for Wuhan tomorrow. The home of my childhood. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing all my dear friends, it’s been two years since I’ve seen most of them, three years for some. I have changed so much in the past three years, and I know they have as well, but I pray that our friendships will be renewed and strengthened, and that I can encourage and uplift them through our time together. For I know that I will be encouraged and uplifted by them. I pray that God will give me humility, boldness, and love as I seek to serve & glorify Him this next month in China.
And I am eagerly awaiting to hear about how all of your summers are going so far. Love you all!
anoffering616 said,
May 16, 2008 at 9:49 am
Abby, this is beautiful. I was really encouraged by it. God is good. I have been praying for and thinking about you these past couple of days. I miss your hugs and your sincere and radiant heart that remind me of God’s gentleness and strong presence. But, I know you are sharing those with the people you are traveling with and the people you are living with over this next month. I will be praying more specific prayers for humility, boldness and love this summer for you. I love you!