finding joy.: March 2014

I will forever love the story of Jesus calling His disciples out on the water.
(Matthew 14: 22 - 33)

Peter takes a risk that the others don't. He steps out.
I like Peter. Yes, he doubts, but eventually he gets it. And all the glory to Jesus.

I would love to say if I was in Peter’s shoes, I would valiantly hop out of the boat with a fearless heart and fiery eyes.

But sometimes, all I want to do when I hear God asking me to take a risk, is hide under my softest blanket and pretend I don’t hear Him.

“No, Jesus, that’s okay, I don’t need to do that. Let’s talk about something else… How about that episode of America’s Next Top Model last night, eh?”

Let’s just say, He’s not amused.

(Well, maybe, but sometimes He really means business.)

I can not begin to count the amount of times I have heard His voice in the last years, asking me to trust and follow Him.

And what I’ve learned, is that if I hide under the blanket, I will always miss out.

So, many times I find myself stepping out of the boat.
Shaky legs and all.
Only by His grace am I able to do so.

Sometimes it hurts like the dickens.

Sometimes I am blessed beyond words.

(Those two often go hand in hand, let’s be honest.)
No matter what, it's always good.

This winter, when my original outreach plans fell apart, all I wanted to do was hide under my blanket. (Under a mountain, deep in a hole).
If you ask my roommates, they will laugh and lovingly tell you I did just that for a week or two.

But that oh so familiar and gentle voice encouraged me to take a breather and then make plans to head to Malaysia by the New Year.

I said “Okay, you provide the money, and I’m in.”

And He did. All of it.

(Seriously, He’s the man.)

Just a few hours before 2014 arrived, I made it to our DTS team that had already been there for about a month. I got to the church they were staying in, dropped my bags, and celebrated with them late into the night. Good food, worship, and fireworks.. Wonderful kick off!

There’s so much to say about the three weeks I spent in beautiful Malaysia.
Our ministry opportunities were a good mix of consistent plans, but also listening to Holy Spirit and acting accordingly. We started each day together, eating breakfast, praying and worshiping, and then we would split up and have the rest of the day for ministry.

I could tell you so many stories, but the bottom line is, this is a team of people who boldly proclaimed who Jesus is and shared the Gospel! On top of that, they are all wildly talented artists, and really stepped out in using arts to advance the Kingdom!

Let me tell you, Malaysia is wonderful! Really.

The people are incredible, and it's a bit of a cultural melting pot.

Malay, Indian, Chinese, Burmese, Vietnamese.. beautiful people!

Not only do they all have exceptionally delicious food (rotee and mee goering, yes please), but in order to communicate between nationalities, they speak English. This makes quite a difference when you are able to talk to people on the streets!

We had open doors left and right, to love.
Love on kids, love on shop owners, love on mamas and papas.
Love on teachers, love on athletes, love on teenagers.
Love on the found, love on the lost.

People are people, everywhere.

Everywhere there is hurt, pain, and brokenness.

Loss and suffering.
Physical and emotional wounds.

Everywhere there are people who have yet to discover their worth.
People who have questions, and looking for answers in all the wrong places.

The only answer is Jesus.

Healer.

Redeemer.

Lover.

And there is really nothing like watching Him touch the lives of His children.

It was a time of abundant life. Healing.

A time to rejoice and celebrate what the Lord is doing in the nations!

A time of Heaven touching earth, and hearts being revived.

Jesus is so good, my friends. So good.
It will always be worth it, to lay how we feel aside and be obedient to His call.
To lock our eyes on Him, and step out of the boat.
He never fails.
And His plans are always bigger than our eyes can see.