Step by Step

If  you would have told me two and a half years ago that I'd be where I am now, I wouldn't have believed you. Because back then the thought of leaving the country for a week was absurd. I would have laughed if you would have told me I'd spend three months in Swaziland. I didn't even know that was a country. I wouldn't have know what to do if you told me I would be making plans to stay in Haiti for an unknown period of time. I wouldn't have believed you if you would have told me I was planning to spend my life helping orphaned and vulnerable children which most likely means I will be living in a foreign land.

But that's the funny part, in two and half years, my life has changed dramatically. It's amazing.

 I'm reading a book called "Do Hard Things." Read it. It's so good and it makes you really think. It's about a teenage rebellion against low expectations.

 Right now, it's talking about the steps to doing hard things. The very first step is to do things outside of your comfort zone. I know that step well. My very first uncomfortable step was going to Mexico. The following year, I went back. Then, I began to feel that Mexico was in my "safe zone" so I took another step. I went to Haiti with people I didn't even know. When that became comfortable, I went to Africa for three and a half months. And now, that has become something comfortable too. When I took that first step outside of my comfort zone, I never imagined what would happen next.

"Once we take that first scary step with God's help - and keep going forward - we'll actually experience the bigger, more fulfilling life God has in mind for us." -Do Hard Things

 It becomes easier and easier the more steps you take. It's not enough to stay where I'm at now. I need to keep going deeper and deeper. I need to keep stretching myself. God knew I couldn't just take a giant leap and jump into all He has for me at once. That's why He has given me each step. And as I complete each one, He guides me to the next.

 I'm still terrified. That next step is still scary. But I have learned that it's worth it. It's so worth it.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”