Dear Weary Travelers,
Life seems to have been turned upside down, especially this
week. Bombings, earthquakes, and attacks all seemed to collide together,
and stun the world. Perhaps you are weary of all this seemingly never ending violence and tragedy. Perhaps your heart is breaking for those victims of these tragedies. Or, maybe it's things in your personal life. Maybe you are trying to find purpose in life, or what God has called you to. Possibly, you feel lonely and feel like no one understands what you are going through. Or, perhaps you are afraid. Afraid of life and the trials it brings.
I want to make it clear, fellow readers, that I have not writing about these things because I have learned how to deal with them. In fact, it's just the opposite. Discouragement and weariness are probably two of the biggest obstacles (if not the largest) that I am facing in my life as I write this. So why should I be writing about this? Well, I pray that God will use my words, and that I will be able to learn how to face these difficulties right alongside you to whom I am writing.
First off, you are not alone. Many of us (including myself) are weary, discouraged,
and faint. Loneliness is very easy to feel when we are discouraged. But you are not alone. God is there for you. At least for me, this is difficult, because physically, we can't see God, can't receive hugs from Him when we need them, and sometimes it's difficult to talk to God without His physical presence. But we must look for ways in our life for how He is with us. Thank Him for people He has given you in your life, whom you can trust; He put them in your life for a reason! Look for how God is with us through things He tells you in His Word, for how He uses other people in your life to encourage you, and for the everyday blessings He gives you. If we take notice of those things and keep our eyes more open to that, we will clearly see God's presence with us and come to an even deeper conclusion that we are not alone.
Secondly, the road will not always be easy. You might be rolling your eyes at this statement and saying, "Great. Thanks, Hannah, for stating the obvious." And you're right! It is obvious, I mean, why am I writing this blog post? Because life is spectacular and perfect right now? Far from it. This quote came across my newsfeed on Facebook, and I'd like to share it with you all:
"What counts the most is our response to everything. It is not what happens to us, but how we respond and how we look to God for strength and guidance."
~Elisabeth Elliot
So while trials come our way, what matters is how we respond to them. Trials shape who we are and help us become the people we are today. When I moved to Africa, I was a wreck. I wanted to stay in my comfortable, suburban neighborhood, doing theatre on the weekends and church on Sunday. But God had different plans and changed my life. Moving to Africa was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I have had many trials since being here and have felt the pain of things only experienced on the mission field, such as constantly saying goodbye to people throughout the year. But God has been abundantly faithful. He has given me so much and has shaped me in the short time I've been here. I am more than grateful to Him for flipping my world upside down, and while there were trials on the way, I can see that through the pain He has also molded me and given me so many blessings. Am I saying that if you go through trials that you will receive blessings? Unfortunately, not always. But, trials shape who we are today and can mold us into who God has us to be- if we allow Him to.
Finally, don't give up when trials come. Dwell on that for a moment. Don't give up on where God has called you. Don't give up to what He has called you to do. Don't give up. Nothing that happens to you as you journey through life is a surprise to God. He knows all, and if you ask Him, He will strengthen you to get through the valleys in your life. My mentor last year shared this verse with me:
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass
through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through
the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
I love this verse because while it doesn't promise that our lives will be easy as believers, it does tell us that God will be with us in our trials (and in everything!). He will keep us afloat and will be our Rock. Trust in that. Trust that God is using trials in your life to mold you and that He is always with you, even when you feel confused, alone, worthless, or discouraged. I love the analogy that our lives are like a beautiful painting that God has created and God is the painter. We can only see so much of the painting (our lives) because we're inside it. But God is the painter who sees all and has the whole picture. Trust Him and know that He sees what will happen in our lives. He's got it in His control. Don't give up on His plans for you.
Prayers to you my fellow readers, as we go through this life together. As we all face difficulties, I encourage you to pray for all those who are also facing trials in this world. Though life won't always be sunshine and roses, remember God is there right beside you and please, don't give up.
Joyfully His,
Hannah Lynn
