That moment that you know your faith will be tested and everyone is watching to see how you will respond.  December 23, 2015, God brought me to my knees.  The next three months would prove if I had faith that would move mountains or if I was one of those “Christians”.  God did a lot of chiseling and revealed a lot to me.

My family united and we took a look at our faith walk.  I realized I was a good “bible study girl”, but God knew my heart.  We evaluated our time serving on our first mission trip as a family in Ensenada, Mexico, February 2015, and realized that God was prompting us to serve.

Our Next move… My husband and I set out to be a part of a team from our church, who were serving on a domestic mission in the Tenderloin District in San Francisco, CA.  “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then, “Here am I.  Send me!” Isaiah 6:8.

“For with God nothing shall be IMPOSSIBLE.”  Luke 1:37

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”  I Corinthians 15:58

This trip would reveal a lot to both my husband and I.  We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve with City Impact and our church team!

2015, would be the start of a long valley that our family would journey.  Our faith would be tested, our discipline and our commitment to our faith would be challenged.  As we move into 2017, still thick in our valley and living firmly in our faith!  We are encouraged, by not what is seen, but by what is not!

What we have learned during this time is the importance of writing the journey down.  As I look back I can see God so neatly woven into the mess… He was there with us all the way!  I have learned to pray boldly, specifically and with scripture.

Psalm 145:18, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (NIV)

1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (NIV)

James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Lastly, I have learned that Satan wants to distract us from God’s promises at any cost.  He has done this in my life with emotions like fear and worry.  Rick Warren, “Reject panic with praise. Replace worry with worship.Relieve anxiety with adoration.”  Learning to change how I respond to the mess of life, has been challenging.  I could not do it alone.  I needed to focus on God’s word, knowing the truth that is written within the bible and be faithful in prayer.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4)

Phillipians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I pray as you navigate life that you will pause before you panic and praise God for all that he has provided!  As you feel worry starting to creep in to rob you of your joy, may you worship!  I pray that you will always seek God first.