As we have arrived in Guatemala, my heart is beyond filled with pure joy. It all feels so surreal. Before we left, I found that the days were going by faster than I would have liked them to. The slower I had wanted the weeks to go, the quicker I watched them fly. It was the truest form of the overwhelming feeling in which we call, bittersweet. To be completely and utterly vulnerable, a part of me was not only a little scared to launch, but I had grown to cherish the life I was currently living in the states. This is when God steps in and calls me higher into being a daughter of the one true King.
The Lord does not want us to get too comfortable, which is stated in several places in the Bible. One of these verses can be found in Joshua 1:9 saying, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I know when I was home I found a great amount of comfort and God was pulling me out of that. I was so excited to pick up everything and go, but there was just something about leaving everything behind. Praise the Lord for calling me out of my comfort zone!
All of this is very ironic; is it not funny how God works in these ways? A couple of years ago I could not get out of Asheville or North Carolina fast enough, but God kept me in the state. He drew me closer to Him during that time. Now, I find myself overseas when I was hesitant about leaving my life behind. God has told me to go, so I said “okay Lord, wherever you may lead.”
This life is not our own and being too comfortable can become dangerous in our walk with Christ. I am constantly reminding myself to rely on God, but sometimes that is a little easier said than done. We are called not to find comfort in where we are in life or in the things that surround us, but we are called to find comfort in the Lord. Crossing borders and stepping into Guatemala is a true pleasure and honor to God (especially during a pandemic). He has a plan set in place and the Lord has placed us here for a reason.
“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” Habakkuk 1:5
I invite you to pray over my team and squad as we have dispersed across Guatemala and are now partnering with different hosts/organizations to serve those around us. Ask the Lord to prepare our hearts and minds as we begin to reach in and reach out. Thank you always for partnering with me on this journey!
with all my love,
PJ
Paula, I am proud of you and witnessed you grow spiritually since I met you. I read this passage and it reminds me how far I have come in my service. I hope it is meaningful to you.
I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12-14
Paula, I am so proud of you!! I will continue to pray for all of you as you do Gods work!!
Paula, So thankful you are there safe and sound. Praying for you knowing that GOD is already there ready to use you in a big way. What a blessing to be able to follow you and your team watch GOD use you all. Love and prayers, Beth Gray
You go girl! Pursue Go d with all you have! He is faithful and you won’t be disappointed!
Prayerfully thinking of you as you spread God’s word. The adventure has just begun. ??
Paula
I am praying for you and your team. Praying for great things, safety and guidance.
Go out there go get them! You are my inspiration!