Yesterday morning I was reading Jesus Calling before running out for class. It was one of those times where I felt so comforted by the Lord because I knew He had given me a very specific message...
"In this age of independence, people find it hard to acknowledge their neediness. However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me: placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident. Through the aridity of those desert marches, I have drawn you closer and closer to Myself. You have discovered flowers of peace blossoming in the most desolate places. You have learned to thank me for hard times and difficult journeys, trusting that through them I accomplish my best work. You have realized that needing me is the key to knowing me intimately, which is the gift above of all gifts."
I just love how this sums up what I have been learning the past few months in East Asia. God has placed me in this situation where I am forced to acknowledge how much I need him. He can no longer be a choice for me. I am depending on Him everyday in EA like I never have before! Under these circumstances, my strengths are irrelevant and my weaknesses are so so evident, but "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." (Isaiah 40:29) Though I feel like I'm in the desert some days, this is the perfect place for the Lord to draw me closer to Himself. I am finally able to thank him for the hard times knowing that he is wanting to teach me something new about his character. He wants me to become more like himself!
"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the desert ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as the rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes."
Isaiah 58:11
