Beyond Measure

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by God's goodness that you simply can't contain it? So aware of the blessings He's pouring out on you that you can't help but fall to your knees and praise Him? I'm there, and all I can really say is that I'm blessed beyond measure.

This week, I've seen our Glorious Father moving. He's moving in individuals and groups, children and adults. I've known all along that He would provide the things I need for this adventure, particularly financial support, but as I've watched my funding rise by thousands of dollars over the last few months, once again, God has completely blown my mind! He's led several people to unexpectedly make donations towards Surrender Uganda this week, as well as opening up more opportunities for me to simply share my story. I'm blessed because God is faithful. He led me to this, and His Word lets me know that He will finish the job He started, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" Philippians 1:6 (TNIV).

In the whole of this journey so far, my King has led me through some difficult experiences, and I'm blessed by them. "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith...may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" 1 Peter 1:6-7 (TNIV). I praise Him because He is intentionally refining me into the image of Christ. He desires both you and me to be near Him, but because of His perfection, we cannot stand before Him as we are, in our sin. He chose not to give up on us, so He sent the Rescuer. In the same way, He is my Rescuer through trials. He's the hand that leads me through even the roughest times. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:26 (TNIV). I am blessed because my trials are in God's hands, not mine.

My Family!

I am also blessed by my amazing family - both biological and my family in Christ. Without their support and encouragement, I would never have been able to carry out this journey. They've helped me let people know about Surrender Uganda, raise funds, and prepare for the trip. Along every step of the way, they've been there with me. "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind" Philippians 2:1-2. I'm blessed by the unity God has created in my families.

Some of my sisters in Christ!

Obviously, I could go on and on about the blessings God's given me. The point I want to make is this: The blessings God has poured out on me have always been there. He has always been faithful. He has always been in charge of my trials, and I have always been surrounded by an amazing family of believers. But I haven't always been aware of these blessings. I wasn't looking for them; I was content to sit and complain about my life. Through this spiritual journey, God has made me start looking at the world I live in and realizing that I am blessed beyond measure. Many people couldn't even dream of what I am surrounded by in everyday life. So, I'd like to challenge you. Look around at what God's given you - I think you might just realize that you're blessed beyond measure too.