God doesn’t have to use us, but He does. He doesn’t need us to do anything, but He delights in using us for His will.
Today some people on my team have been processing how it doesn’t always feel like we are growing or meeting a certain destination like we expected before coming on this trip. But, sometimes we get caught up in our own expectations of what we want God to do instead of surrendering to His will and what He has and is doing.
On Tuesday we got to go prayer walking to a house where the family was so so welcoming. They graciously let us in their home, and almost every member of their family was there. The mother, father, sister, brother, grandmother, granddaughter, aunt, uncle, and many many kids and grandkids. And almost everyone talked to us about how much they loved God. They wanted to hear scripture we loved, and desired to be encouraged by us. It was beautiful to watch, and inspiring to my faith. I loved seeing the movement of the love of Jesus in each generation. I’m excited to say I will not forget this family!
This past week we went prayer walking from house to house on Thursday and wow was it good. We went to this little girls house- Kimberly. She has issues with her kidneys, and on top of that her family has been trying to get enough money to restore their house. This week one of our squad members raised enough to completely redo their house, and on top of that her kidneys were looking a little better! The Lord has been working miracles in Nicaragua!
In the afternoon we went to a micro church in the town. I was able to sit next to this grandmother and her grandchild. I loved getting to know this family, and their eagerness to know more of God. I felt pulled to encourage how she has loved her family. I told her about my grandma who passed away when I was 12 years old. I told her how she told me about the love of Jesus, and the relationship I had with her. I told her that she reminded me of her in the way she loved her family. It was a moment where I felt brought to tears because it made my heart break for more of my family to understand how deeply loved they are by God.
This Past Friday I had the honor of helping plan a women’s ministry night called Renew. Madi, Journey, and I have taken the two weeks prior to plan ideas for this night and how we desired for the Lord to show up. Journey had the idea of teaching on how us as women are His bride, and we talked about the in depth details to a Jewish wedding. We related this to the Bible, and how Jesus is our bridegroom. It was a beautiful night with worship, laughter, tears, and community.
The Lord is doing something so much greater than we can image here in Nicaragua, and I am just thankful I got used as a vessel. I have been learning about not looking too far ahead into the future so I don’t miss out on the incredible moments here. Through resting in each moment, we are able to focus on what the Lord is doing, and are more aware of Him speaking to us.
I have also been learning about not setting expectations on God, and to expect anything. What we might think is good for us, could mean something completely different in the eyes of the Lord. As we end the night, we leave tomorrow morning for Costa Rica. I am mourning leaving because I love seeing what the Lord is doing here, but I know He will continue to blow my expectations at our next destination. Seasons ebbs and flows, and this season is sadly ending. BUT the Lord is always up to something, and I know I have learned so so much, and will continue to learn.
Thank you Lord for my time in Nicaragua. I pray that you can continue to use me, and teach me. And as you use me, more people can come to know your love.
