joy.

It’s funny to think about the modern day perspective, we Westerners, have about what the word joy means. The world that we live in, tells us that joy is merely an emotion related to happenings or significant events that take place in our lives. The feeling of being invincible, that nothing could hurt you. We’ve all been there, those mountain top experiences, so hard just to catch your breath. Butterflies with extremely large wings flapping against the inside of your tummy, and a smile no one can seem to shake. But, I cannot help to ask, what happens next? After those mountain top experiences, after the butterflies have faded, and you have definitely caught your breath. What is left?

The Lord has really been letting me experience real joy. I am learning that joy is more of a state of being, rather than a constant smile, or contagious laugh. It is a knowing of what you is promised to you. When we are taken off that mountain top, and life seems confusing and difficult, we have joy. We know there is something greater! We know the hope and the life God has promised us through His one and only son Jesus. We have joy. No matter the circumstance, we have joy. We look ahead and forget what is behind, pressing toward our prize. When we feel alone, when we feel misunderstood, when we feel anxious, we have joy. Joy, because we have a creator who wants intimacy with us! A creator who wants to romance and pursue us. 

This morning, as I was praying about where Jenny, Alyssa and I were going to live in Colorado, the Lord spoke to me John 4, the story where Jesus heals the official’s son. The Official pleads with Jesus to heal his ill son. Jesus simply replies, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders.” Jesus then tells the Official, his son is healed and to go back home. As the Centurion returns home, he is greeted with the news that his son is in fact healed. After reading this passage, the Lord spoke to me and I realized I do not need a blue print from God for my future. God challenged me in my faith, and gave me revelation about what real trust looks like. We do not know much about what Colorado has in store for us, but I stand in faith knowing my Father will provide for me, as I continue to step out in faith. 

Again thank you for your prayers and support! I am so blessed to have such amazing support. Please continue to pray as Jenny, Alyssa, Cheyne and myself head out tonight! Please pray for boldness imparted in all of our hearts, as we step out in faith.