No more Paris

“Don’t get comfortable, I’m gonna move this mountain then I’m gonna move you in.”

Well, if that song lyric isn’t my life in a nutshell right now, I don’t know what is. In a few more months, I turn 30, which honestly, seems crazy to me. I certainly don’t “feel” 30 and I’m not sure I always “act” 30 either. I made plans earlier in the year to visit France, specifically Paris, on my birthday. I’m obsessed with France, and I’ve always wanted to go. I figured there was no better time to visit than on my (second 29th) birthday. But it seems Paris will have to wait.

For a while, months really, I’ve been praying about missions. I wanted to serve God locally in a way that He laid out just for me. He knows my heart, and He knows my story. He knows the best way to use me for His glory. I’ve prayed for an opportunity to present itself, and I’ve looked at multiple organizations but nothing jumped out at me. Nothing tugged at my heart.

Then one weekend, Kelly Minter came to speak at a two-day women’s conference at my church. I guess that’s where it all went fuzzy. Kelly shared about Nehemiah’s willingness to follow God’s call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He risked everything leaving Persia, but he was successful because God’s hand was all over the project. Nehemiah was following God’s will and God came through. That’s what He does. When we’re walking in His will, there is nothing to worry about. When we are obedient and surrender to follow Him, He does amazing things with us. God used Kelly and the book of Nehemiah to show me I hadn’t found a missions opportunity in Huntsville because what I was being called to isn’t in Huntsville.

After many nights spent on my knees, I know God is calling me to another place in the world — a place far less comfortable than Huntsville. So instead of using my vacation to enjoy Paris, I’ll be traveling somewhere else instead. When I first realized God was calling me to another part of the world, I tried to run. It seemed impossible and far fetched. How could He be calling me? I’m not spiritually mature enough for something like this, right? But, as with everything else, God knows best.

“Oh sovereign Lord,” I said. “I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me; “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. -Jeremiah 1:6-8

I’ll be gone for a couple of weeks, long enough to eat up most of my vacation days — so no more Paris. And no more Friends for Life (so incredibly bummed about this).

The work God is doing in my life is wonderful, glorious and simply amazing. This is an incredible opportunity for me to be a small part of. If He can use me, why would I not go? If He promises to lead me, why would I not follow? He calls us to serve the poor, the brokenhearted, the widows and the orphans. I’m answering the call. I’m going to be a servant somewhere away from my normal.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said. -Mark 1:17 (and lots of other places, too)

Paris isn’t going anywhere, and I’m only 29. I have my entire life to visit Paris, but God wants me somewhere else in the meantime. Please pray for me as the details of my trip unfold and I as I discern God’s will over my life during this season. Your prayers are so incredibly appreciated as I travel and as I serve. Thank you dear friends.