Time passes by

I just realized that today is January 26. One year ago today I was on my way to Romania. So far, that trip has made the biggest impression on my life. I saw God in ways that I never thought I would, and I learned so much about Him. So very much has happened in my life since that trip. Some of it was good, and some of it was bad. God is still God. He is God here. He is God in Romania. He is God in El Salvador.

There is something else special about today. I realized that it was on this day 15 years ago, that I asked Jesus to come into my life, and save me. At the time I gave myself to Him. I had no idea where He would lead me, but He is good. I don't know where my God will lead me in the next 15 years, but He is good.

"Oh no, You never let go, through the calm, through the storm.
Oh no, You never let go, in every high, in every low.
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me."
- Matt Redman

I'll be Strong and Courageous...

I struggle with fear. Soon I will be in a new country that I have never seen before. I have read and been told that sometimes it is not safe in this country. That scares me. I don't know where I will be staying, or what food I will eat. That scares me too. I realized that all of my anxiety about this trip to El Salvador was coming down to one thing. That was fear. Fear was creeping into my life, and taking control. Here is what the Bible ways about fear:

In the first chapter of the book of Joshua God is talking to Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites. (I've always thought of Joshua as a brave person, I mean he wasn't scared of the giants in the land.) God tells Joshua three times to be strong and courageous.

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” NLT

In Psalms 31:24 it says, "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all who wait for the Lord." - ESV

Dueteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you, or forsake you." - ESV

These verses I hold in my heart. When fear and doubts assail me, I must remember that I have been told to be Strong and Courageous.

There's a song by Audio Adrenaline that is my theme song right now. These are some of the words.

"I will follow, wherever You lead me.
Wherever You are, underneath the stars, is where I want to be.
I will lay down, this old life of mine.
I leave behind all things of the world, just to follow You.

I'll be strong and courageous. I'll live my life for, You, my only King.
You're my God, through all the ages. Here am I. I am Yours. Send me."