"I don't think God wants me to go on this trip..."

Last week I spent almost 2 hours talking with a confused student.  She shared, through tears, her deep desire to go on the South Asia Discovery trip with Wycliffe, but also some legitimate concerns for not going.

After listening for a long time, I shared a time when I had to make what felt like a world-changing decision, but later realized that God was sovereign regardless of the outcome.  I shared how she was doing all the right things - receiving solid counsel, and praying with others about the situation.  I told her to listen to counsel, but in the end, she should be able to own her decision.  I shared that God will still work in and through her this summer even if she isn't in a foreign country.

After the call, I felt drained and energized at the same time.

Entering into the struggle of making hard decisions with someone requires an energetic dive into their world and perspective.  Being able to mentor someone towards a mature and godly mindset, using my own experiences (both failures & successes) produces an energy-high that is hard to find anywhere else!  It is at times like these that I know God has prepared me throughout my life for the exact role that I am in now.  And I love all that He is doing in the midst of it!

A week later, I received the following email from the student: "God answers prayer. I want to thank you again for all of your support, encouragement and prayers for me and with me throughout this whole process. Your words with me last week were from the Lord.  I still want to partner with you and everyone on the trip through prayer and financial support for sure.  I have really enjoyed getting to know you and I'm sure we will stay connected. You have pointed me to the Lord and I think he is doing a really cool work through you."