God Has Great Plans Ahead

What a busy few weeks it has been… Sorry I have not been doing weekly updates.

A week or so ago, I got very ill. I was constantly throwing up and wasn’t able to eat for 8 days. Went to the doctor and had no idea what was wrong. Finally I began to feel better and was able to eat again. The day I felt better, I just felt a sense of healing and joy over me. I was back to normal. I hadn’t realized how my mood changed when I as sick until I was jumping off the walls once again. So that was a pretty sucky week, although during that week, our teaching was over “Fear of the Lord.” At first, I have always disregarded that saying as I really didn’t understand what it means. I now have a great grasp on that topic and am able to live with Fear of the Lord. To me, fear of the Lord is to honor, respect, and show great awe towards God. This is something we are to live by as Christians and followers of Christ.

Another week of teaching we have had is over “Identity” and who God says we are. Don’t live life by what others say about you… Yea it hurts when someone says something mean about you, but always remember that the only thing that actually matters is what God thinks. A really good song that I highly recommend is called “You say” by Lauren Daigle. This song has been a highlight through the past few weeks as it reminds me of what God says about me. God is longing to have an intimate relationship with you, seek Him! God created us in His own image. We are “little Christs”, so act like it. Do everything in your power to do what Jesus would do. I’m not saying we can’t mess up, we are humans that don’t live in a perfect world. But if you have to think twice about something you want to do but aren’t sure it is the right thing to do, then more than likely God is convicting your heart to not do it. Another thing… Forgiveness is powerful! Stop and ask God, “Is there someone in my life that I have not forgiven?” You need to forgive them! Also, if someone tells you, “I’m sorry” for anything, your first response should be, “I forgive you.” Even if what they did, did not seem like a big deal to you, they were obviously being convicted by God to say sorry and they need to hear “I forgive you” to move on. Always remember, God is always by your side even when you don’t feel like He is there. He is an omnipresent God meaning He is everywhere all the time. I have also been reminded so much to love your neighbor as yourself. We need to do this as God created each and every person. God loves them, and because I love God, I am going to love them too!

We had a teacher this past week named Troy who came and spoke to us about identity. He is a great guy with great wisdom from God. As the week went on, he began to say specific things to students that God was speaking to him about. He then said something to me. He said “there is going to be a pearl of great price for you in Asia. God has something that He is preparing for you that He will reveal to you in Asia and when you see this, you will KNOW. Something great will happen to you in Asia that will change the direction in your life.” I am so excited to see what God has planned for me and how He will show himself in this country! I have truly been feeling peace in my heart as God has been telling me “Your plans for your future are good, but the plans I have for you are GREAT!” I am so blessed with the relationship I have with God. YWAM has helped me understand so much about God and helped me grow closer to Him.

This week we are learning about “The Life of Jesus.” I am getting a better understanding of this by hearing and reading stories from the Bible about Jesus and His life here on Earth and why He choose to come to earth.  I’ve also gotten a really good understanding of the trinity! The trinity is 3 distinct beings with unique roles so committed to loving & honoring each other that they do everything in perfect unity. We are so incredibly loved by our creator! I pray everyday that our society will know who God is and feel that love too!

As we had homeless ministry yesterday, a storm appeared. I got some cool pics.

There is always beauty in the storm!

We also went to an annual event in Madison called “Freak Fest.” It’s a halloween celebration on state street where everyone comes together, dressing in costumes, listen to music, and party… What YWAM does every year is hand out free hot chocolate and hot dogs. It was so fun to bless everyone and show the love of Jesus. I also took a friend and went prayer walking. We walked all down the streets of downtown Madison and prayed for people. I saw things that broke my heart. Relationships that were going the wrong directions, drunk people, women wearing lack of clothes in 40 degree weather, just stuff that was not of God. I expected nothing less but was still sad to see it. I approached multiple officers and asked if I could pray for them as I respect them so much and what they do. They were shocked and appreciated it so much. What frustrated me the most about the whole night is seeing these young people throw away their lives when they live somewhere where they can have it so much better. As I do mission work around the world and in impoverished countries, these people pray to have lives and opportunities these people in Madison do have but waste. It’s frustrating that people in third world countries don’t have much of a choice or option, they just pray to survive, and here in Madison, well America for that matter, they have everything but throw it away to get wasted! As frustrated as I was, I kept on praying and loving them because God loves them!

I continue to grow closer to God everyday! Processing things that I may be struggling with or peace knowing God is fulfilling the desires of my heart! God has great plans for you and He is always with you when you are struggling. You need to surrender to Him and ask for Him. He will then fill your heart with His unconditional love! God Loves You and so do I! Blessings to you all!

By His Grace

Kendra Michael ❤