I got back last night from camp, packed today, and leave in the morning for Panama in Central America. I don't think there has been a boring moment yet this summer.. but i love it :)
We have been preparing and praying for this trip all year and I'm so excited that it is finally time to go. As I have been mentally preparing and praying for this trip these last couple of weeks, the Lord continuously been taking me to the book of Joel. I think it's interesting because it talks so much about war and fighting in a battle. I believe the Lord has called me to go and fight; Not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). I have felt this so strong lately. It occured to me one day this week while i was lifeguarding how important it is to be intently focused and take my job seriously. It can be easy to start thinking about something else while im on guard but as soon as i feel my mind wondering, i have to shift my thoughts and realize the importance and urgency of being on task as i watch the water. I am having to set my mind of the urgency of this hour in time to prepare mentally for this trip. It says in Joel 2:1- Blow the Trumpet in Zion; Sound an alarm on My holy Mount. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is close at hand." Something in me stirs when i read this and makes me take this trip so seriously like it's the last opportunity this people could hear about Jesus. Our minds should remain devoted and urgent at this hour.
Joel 2:30, 32 -"And I will show signs and wonders in the heavens, and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.. and whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered and saved.." I'm believing for signs and wonders to follow us as we bring the gospel just like it says in Mark 16:17-20 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; and they take up serpents; and they if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover...And they went out and preached, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accomplanied it." I believe Jesus' words here worked for the disciples and will work for us today. In Panama, Im praying the people will see the power of Jesus displayed and and through that, call on His name to be saved.
Back to Joel 3:9-14 it says "Prepare for war! Stir up the mighty men! Let all the men of war draw near, let them come up.. let the weak say I am strong (a warrior).. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.. multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decison."
I know this verse is for me on this trip. I keep thinking about the first part of the verse that says "prepare for war!" I don't really get into the war-like movies and all that kind of gory stuff that guys love haha but i have really been enthralled by this verse. He is preparing me for war and to take back what the enemy has stolen. I know we will always have victory knowing that Jesus is for us and on our side fighting. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.. He has called us all to be warriors in His army everyday. It's not even really a fight, if we stop and think about it, because we already know who will win. We are overcomers because of the blood of Jesus. I will stand in victory before i even get on the plane tomorrow knowing who is on my side. I must put on the armor and be prepared to stay focused, be rooted in His love, and not afraid to use my sword to fight. He loves making even the weakest ones fighters :) His love drives me to do whatever He is asking, whatever is on His heart for this hour.
Pray for supernatural faith overriding any fear and also victory at every place we go!
We will come back on June 30th and i'll have lots of updates :)
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