'I don't pray enough.' 'Man, I forgot to read my Bible!' 'She is so much better of a Christian than I am. I didn't even think to ask how I could help out.' 'Why am I still struggling with this sin!?'
It's thoughts like these that have plagued me lately. Actually, they've plagued me for at least this whole semester. I never seem to be a good enough Christian. Either I don't pray enough, forget to call a friend, don't read my Bible for a couple of days, snap at one of my friends, or simply get intimidated by people who are farther in their walks with Christ than I am.
That was the mindset that I had as I began my devotion time this morning. I just picked up where I had last left off, right in the middle of Hebrews. I wasn't very excited about my Bible time, simply because I felt so condemned that I haven't stuck to my recent resolution to spend more time with God because I've been swamped with school work and studying. So I was reading rather dejectedly. But as I read, I began to absorb the words that my eyes were flowing over. Jesus Christ is my high priest. Unlike other high priests, though, he doesn't make a sacrifice on a regular basis. He did it once, and He did it for all. As I continued to read, I began to feel a weight lift off of my shoulders. I'm not perfect. I daily fail at the Christian walk. I fall short in some area every single day..but that's why Christ died! I don't have to be perfect! His sacrifice, His death, covers up my sin so that God sees me as an absolutely beautiful perfect being. There is nothing I can do to prove my worthiness--not even go to Africa.
I kept reading, and God reminded me of a verse that I read a few days ago. It pretty much sums up everything, all of the encouragement that I needed. 1 Corinthians 12:9 "and he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.'" God completes my weakness and can use me whether I am always pure or not. Of course, I still strive to be righteous, as we are called to. But when I forget, or simply get tired of it and stop, it's okay. God's strength is made perfect even though I'm weak. Thank you God.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
His Ways Are Not My Ways
Isaiah 55:8 "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' saith the LORD."
The ways that God has been providing for my trip to Africa have definitely been different from how I imagined, and it has been incredible to see how He has worked! Just before my 50% deadline was here, only 3 days before, over $600 was donated to my trip to Africa by people that I didn't even send letters to! Since then, I have continued to receive donations that I didn't expect, be it from classmates, my parents' friends, or even strangers.
Now, I know you all are probably wondering how the Zaxby's fundraiser went--sorry it's taken me so long to report on it! We had a pretty great turn-out, with Zaxby's selling over $400 worth of food. What really made the fundraiser worthwhile though were the many extra donations that were given to me from those who either had leftover change or simply handed me a check. From that fundraiser, I received about $170 total from Zaxby's and friends. So thank you to all of you who came out!
Also, ALL of the t-shirts have been sold! I do still have a few bracelets if anyone wants one, but those have also sold very well.
Of course, I am still far from having my trip paid for, and my next deadline is TOMORROW! Seventy-five percent of my money is due, and I still need about $1000 to meet it. If you would like to donate, simply visit https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=partFund&multi= and type in my name, Lauren Veitch.
Other needs that I have include: international insurance, a backpacking pack, various travel supplies, and one vaccination. Let me know if you would like to help me purchase any of these items!
Please remember to be praying for me as I prepare to leave for Africa (in only 47 days!): for financial support, safety on the field, and most importantly, spiritual preparation. Once again, thank you so much for your support.
In Christ,
Lauren
The ways that God has been providing for my trip to Africa have definitely been different from how I imagined, and it has been incredible to see how He has worked! Just before my 50% deadline was here, only 3 days before, over $600 was donated to my trip to Africa by people that I didn't even send letters to! Since then, I have continued to receive donations that I didn't expect, be it from classmates, my parents' friends, or even strangers.
Now, I know you all are probably wondering how the Zaxby's fundraiser went--sorry it's taken me so long to report on it! We had a pretty great turn-out, with Zaxby's selling over $400 worth of food. What really made the fundraiser worthwhile though were the many extra donations that were given to me from those who either had leftover change or simply handed me a check. From that fundraiser, I received about $170 total from Zaxby's and friends. So thank you to all of you who came out!
Also, ALL of the t-shirts have been sold! I do still have a few bracelets if anyone wants one, but those have also sold very well.
Of course, I am still far from having my trip paid for, and my next deadline is TOMORROW! Seventy-five percent of my money is due, and I still need about $1000 to meet it. If you would like to donate, simply visit https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=partFund&multi= and type in my name, Lauren Veitch.
Other needs that I have include: international insurance, a backpacking pack, various travel supplies, and one vaccination. Let me know if you would like to help me purchase any of these items!
Please remember to be praying for me as I prepare to leave for Africa (in only 47 days!): for financial support, safety on the field, and most importantly, spiritual preparation. Once again, thank you so much for your support.
In Christ,
Lauren
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