So, for those of you who don't know, I had to come back to the states to raise more funds to be able to
live in Mexico for what God has called me to do. So far, I have been in the
states for three months, and, boy, has it been challenging. It seems like everything
that could cause me stress has, and, unfortunately, more than usual. The devil
has really been trying to bring me down. Through all of this, though, God has
been testing me to see if I trust Him in every area of my life: spiritually,
emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially.
Spiritually, I've
grown so much in the past two years. I've been living for Him and spending more
time with Him more and more every single day, no matter what hardships come my
way. I know that if I'm seeking His will and living full-heartedly for Him, nothing
can come against me. "...for He has said, “I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not
fear; what can man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:5b-6
Emotionally, I've
been all over the place: With myself, my parents, my family, my friends,
everything. My dad has really tried me through all of this, telling me that I'm
making a huge mistake, that this isn't worth anything. Through all of that,
plus more that I won't go into due to length, I've turned to God for peace and
joy, and He's provided it every time. Whether it be a little pick-me-up joy or
absolute peace to stop me from sobbing uncontrollably, He's been there.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
Physically, I've been
restored. Not 100%, but it's getting there. When I came back from Mexico, I had
injured my arm from picking up the kids and spinning them around, which I tend
to do a lot, haha. Being back, the pain has left me, and I will continue to
praise God and rebuke that pain en el nombre de Jesus! Also, I've had this
hemorrhage on my eye for several years, and I was recently told that, worst
case scenario, that it could also lead to eye cancer. It hasn't bothered me
(pain, irritation), but I was told to get it checked, so I did. Not only was I
told that I didn't have to pay for my co-pay, but I didn't have to pay for the
$100 eye drops either. Within a week, the infection that was causing the
hemorrhage to grow and be inflamed went completely away and is continuing to go
away! "That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons,
and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was
to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and
bore our diseases.” " - Matthew 8:16-17
Mentally, I've been
struggling with many thoughts coming to my head. So many inner battles from my
past, plus what is going on now, has really tried to take a toll on me. Not
only from my past, but what I've had numerous people tell me, such as what they
think is best for my life and what I should do according to them. Those
thoughts, plus my past, have been trying to sneak in on me, but as soon as the
devil was about to have his way, God reminded me every time that I need to
trust in Him always and that He'll guide my steps and that His way is best.
I've been able to focus on what He has for me, rather than what others have
thrown at me, and really have had true peace. "Trust in the Lord with all
of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways,
acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Financially, which
seemed to be the most difficult one (next to physically), He's provided all. He
has so many times in the past, but, every single time, the amount has gotten
bigger and bigger and bigger. The amount that I need now to live in Mexico is
more money than I've ever had in my whole life combined. It seemed impossible.
Seemed. God reminded me, "Daniel, I've provided for you every single time
you've needed Me to. What would make this time any different? What is one
measly number compared to Me?" As big as that number seemed, I knew that
God was bigger. He created EVERYTHING. What was one number to Him? I still
don't have everything I would like, but I have completely everything I need, as
of today, which is all I truly want anyway. I know that if I somehow need more,
then God will provide it. "And my God will supply every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
I know this was a
little lengthy, but I felt that I needed to share this with all of you. I know
that with being a missionary, I need to trust God in EVERY area of my life and
give EVERYTHING to Him. I can't hold on to anything. So, I want to encourage
all of you with two things:
1) No matter what
area you may be struggling with in life, God hears you. He cares for you
deeply, more than anything else (also see Matt. 6:25-34). He hears your cries.
He listens to every single one of your prayers. Just keep looking to Him
through it all, and, I promise, He WILL come through.
2) You HAVE to give
everything to Him. Humans, by nature, want to have control. We want to have at
least a little say in what goes on. It's hard for us to give a part of our
lives completely away. Trust me. But, once you do, you won't regret it. When
God is in control, He ONLY provides the best for you and what you can handle.
Nothing more, but nothing less. What's better than God's best? And what's
better than having the God of the universe take care of everything for you? All
we have to do is look to Him in everything, live completely for Him, and He's
got the rest.
Again, sorry for
the length, but I just wanted to remind you all that God is alive and real, and
He cares for you in EVERY aspect of your life!¡ I'm a living testimony!¡ Seek
Him, and you won't regret it.
Also, not sure why everything is highlighted, but maybe it helps make it easier to read? Hopefully.
