They say a picture is worth a thousand words but if I am fortunate enough to snap a photo of something God has orchestrated for my eyes to see, then capture on 'film', for me that picture is worth a thousand praises. The picture beginning this, my first post, is such a picture.
It was taken as the sun was setting in a fall sky of September 2010 at one of my favorite places in Alberta. It was shortly after I arrived that I felt God speak to my heart, telling me to look to the heavens and there it was...clouds in the formation of an eagle in flight. The eagle is one of the most majestic birds of the air that I have always associated myself closest with. Scripture is filled with references to this awe inspiring creature and God has repeatedly called me to be, spiritually, what this great bird represents.
The eagle escapes to the highest heights in a storm, it always seeks to soar higher, and it is independent of others but not of God. Just like the eagle, I have found myself to be of similar characteristics. I will run to the heights of God's arms when faced with trials and testing, I strive to be a strong woman of God, and I am completely dependent upon God. When I find myself in the midst of difficulty and turmoil, I find that God speaks to me about this very creature either through Scripture or through the literal appearance of one high above me in the sky and it's only through it's piercing cry that I look up and I find renewed strength to continue through the storm I'm in.
As I continue to prepare for my departure to Costa Rica and my final plans here are being made, the storms continue. They come in different forms; fear, trepidation, sorrow and longing. Some of these storms are brief, while others, long and raging. But I know that at no time am I promised that this faith walk will be an easy one, only that I am promised it will be a safe one. I walk this unique path alone as I fall in slow step behind God.
I remember being at one Sunday service, about a month ago, when I was starkly reminded of my reality and conviction to God's call as a message was displayed on the projector screen saying:
'Though no one goes along with me, still I will follow.
No turning back....no turning back....no turning back.'
Lately, I've found great comfort in the words of many songs on Chris Tomlin's latest CD as he speaks about surrender, awakening, freedom and God's majesty. All of these things I have experienced and there is so much more that awaits my experience. Even though I have never felt more alone in all my life in taking this step of faith to Costa Rica, to answer and follow God, a strange counter weight overwhelms me called blessing.
I have never felt more blessed than to have pursued God, wholly surrendered to Him and, now, follow Him to wherever He wants me to go and do whatever He wants me to do. I didn't think I would ever get here,to the point that I would be so ready and willing to do God's will. I used to be petrified that God would call me to a place to do something I would hate!!! It wasn't until I really got in God's face and got to know Him that it's not how He operates. LOL Good thing for me!! Remember Africa???
Anyway, I'd like to leave you with some lyrics, oddly enough, from various songs that have encouraged, renewed, assured and comforted me as I step closer to leaving for Costa Rica. And even though I may not know what awaits me there, I know who I am following....God. I love Him and trust Him and that's all I need to know. I suspect, that's really all God needs to know too. :-)
My testimony in lyrics, all from Chris Tomlin's latest CD, 'And if Our God is For Us':
"Where you go, I'll go,
Where you stay, I'll stay,
When you move, I'll move,
I will follow You.
Who you love, I'll love,
How you serve, I'll serve,
If this life I lose,
I will follow You."
"I lift my hands to believe again,
You are my refuge, You are my strength,
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember,
You are faithful God, forever."
"For You and You alone,
Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing,
For the world you love,
Your will be done, let Your will be done...in me."
So with my eyes to the horizon, without knowing what's beyond the setting sun, I say, "...Here am I. Send me!" - Isaiah 6:8
Nicely written, Melissa. Looking forward to reading more as the journey unfolds. :-)
ReplyDeleteBrave, true, honest, real.
ReplyDeleteKeep em coming.
More people read than post; write in faith that if your words are from and with God they will be inspiring others, somewhere else on his path, just as they have me.