There have been many times in my life that I have seen things or experienced trauma and felt like I just wanted to give up, but I pushed through, I kept going. I have been discouraged from experiences in my life, but that is the bending. The key is not to allow it to break you.
Courage doesn't wait. Where has God put you? Because God has placed you right where he needs you to be. He has placed those thoughts of missions, helping others, volunteering in your mind. You just need to step out with courage. I remember when the thought of missions came into my mind. It took me almost 10 years before I ever took my first trip. But I prepared myself through volunteering at church. Just that small thing helped me build courage to talk to other people, develop my testimony to share with others without fear.
Sometimes, on mission, I have gotten discouraged. I have felt helpless to help others. You may not know what to say to help encourage someone. It's hard. I know, I have been there. In the medical clinics, I have been at a loss for words, but God planted them right on my lips. I have had moms tell me they had to choose food or medicine for their kids because they didn't have the money. I have had young girls, like age 16, tell me they were married and expecting their first child and didn't know what to do. What to do you say in these circumstances? Only God can give you the words to help encourage them, to help them know they can do this thing called life and push through.
But it take people with courage to go on mission, to be the hands and feet but also the voice of God. They will not know the love of God unless someone shows them and tells them about it. This may be in your own back yard or community or you may be called to leave your home and travel to another country. Whichever the case, it takes courage that only God can give you.
How do I stay resilient? Treasure the small experiences. I remember holding those tiny babies in the clinics and how their smiles brighten even the darkest of times, even if I did get peed on! I remember the children ministries and out playing games with them and trying not to fall when skipping. Just hearing their laughter is enough to fill your heart (yes they were laughing at me, but that's ok!). On our prayer walks through the neighborhoods, so many people welcomed us into their home. They were so excited to talk with us and learn more about what God has for them.
Those are just a few of many, many times I have in my memories. And I plan on making more of those memories.
Matthew 5: 13-16 states; “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Blessings to all,
