BEAUTY FROM ASHES

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans‬ ‭5:5‬

There will be ups and downs in our life. Disappointing moments in which we feel like giving up. Discouraging days in which we begin to question the direction God is taking us. But if our lives are found in Christ, our hope will never die. It will grow to a greater level as God takes us through different seasons in our lives. 

Frankly, the past few weeks here in Cambodia have not been easy. I’ve had my discouraging moments. My heart has felt uncertainty. But, I can truly say that because of those trying moments, my heart has drawn closer to Christ. 

My constant prayer has been, “Dear Lord, give me an open heart. A heart that is willing to submit to Your will and greater plans; a heart that is willing to learn; a heart that is willing to be molded in Your hands; a heart that is willing to be used for Your glory.” 

The moments my body feels tired and feels like giving up, God then brings to mind the smile on the children’s faces. Their joy is so contagious! And I begin to remember that I’m not here for myself but others.

God brought me here to be a light.

God brought me here to be a blessing. 

He brought me here to show His love to these beautiful children. 

He brought me here to give words of life to the needy hearts. 

He brought me here to share the good news. 

And in that moment, I can feel God renewing my strength. 

Hope does not put us to shame as Romans 5:5 says. But rather as we anchor ourselves in Christ, our hope grows and our relationship with Him is strengthened. Whoever places their hope in Christ, will NEVER be put to shame!

I have been able to draw grace and strength from spending more time in His presence. My hope has been renewed. I know that He is pulling at my heartstrings—testing my love for Him. And He is bending me to His will. I’m grateful for the opportunity we’ve been given to be in this place and to be chosen by God to be a light to others. 

T H E
H E A R T S T R I N G S

#hope #ouranchor #notashamed #bealight #cambodia #missions #fyp #zerotohero

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