Hey everyone! I have been learning so much in my faith that I would never have fathomed before coming here. God has been wrecking me in intentional ways. My self-awareness and identity has been apparent more than ever. I have grown more and more in what it truly means to live for God and how to surrender my life to Him.

In this blog, I would like to reveal God's kingdom work through one of my brothers in Christ: 

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."

Several months ago, I noticed this was the verse that went along with my child handprint on the wall at home. This verse has been an anthem in my life ever since. It reminds me who to reside in and that God is always better than my own knowledge. I try to hold myself to this scripture, but in all honesty it is way easier said than done. Surrendering all to the Lord has proved to be a big challenge, but God gives the promise that we will find our way in glorifying His Kingdom if we do.

About a week ago, my teammate let us know that he was thinking about leaving. This was hard to hear. I already felt so close with him. Even though it has only been several weeks living here, the race has a way of making you grow so much closer in community than you think is even possible.

He felt like the Lord was calling him to something else. He told us that he would give it a week to sit on to make sure it was what God wanted. There was nothing more I could ask for as He was seeking the Lord and no other opinion matters.

He felt heavy resentment when God called him to leave. God called him to go minister into a place where he received so much darkness as a child. He grew up in foster care most of his childhood, dealing with many bad homes. Through this darkness, God has revealed to my brother that He has equipped him to bring light to the same place he experienced darkness. The fact that my brother did not shy away from this calling is beyond courage. Beyond trust. A representation of a place I want to be in my trust with the Lord.

Yesterday is the day he left. He has been an amazing brother these past 3 weeks. He has set the tone for our team and our squad in many ways. He has a heart for God and he has a boldness and courage that I have never witnessed. He is a strong representative of the fruits of the spirit:

Galations 5: 22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

He had poured into me so much in his time here. He showed me how to be vulnerable. He showed me how to be bold. He showed me how to be obedient. He showed me how to trust... His kingdom journey key says trust. God works in amazing ways with these keys and trust was a reminder of God's perfect provision for my brother. I am excited to share all about my key in a future blog as I continue to pursue its meaning more in depth through prayer.

I realize that he became a living version of Proverbs 3:5-6 in my life. In his decision, he showed us all a trust and obedience in God that pursues His plan only. He cast away his own understanding in submission to the Lord, and for this reason, God's promise straightened his paths to the great work he will do. God gave me clarity through my brother of where my trust needs to be. An example I got to walk along side for three weeks. I am forever thankful for his friendship and He will do great things for God's Kingdom!

I am so grateful to be able to share this story with you all! Praise the Lord always and forever!