The other beautiful thing about being carried is our position. When we allow ourselves to be carried, we are closer to hearing His voice. We can lean in to listen to what He speaks over us though we be in the midst of confusion or despair.

Embrace your own prayer routine. It is your time with your Creator, whether it is in the kitchen among your pots and pans, at your desk among your papers, or on the floor among colourful blocks and dolls, Jesus loves His time with you! And yes, He is interested in every word you say!

The fact is that there are numerous things we should use daily to keep our physical bodies protected and functioning well. Yet, these things are all temporary, which is why, of all the things we do daily, reading the Bible, spending time with God, and worshiping Him are more important than anything else. Only these things are eternal, and only these things are truly trustworthy and give protection and purpose. 

Maybe, you’re like me and live in an innocent world where you were safe and protected - for the most part. The Bible does tell us to think on what is “good, pure, lovely, of good report” and this side of social media is not those things. However, the Bible calls us to be “wise as serpents, but gentle as doves”. That means God is asking us to be aware of issues like this so we can pray, help pass bills, and educate those around us on these issues.

If we are created to be different, we should jump at the new opportunities in front of us. However, we are not. Fear is what is stopping us; we would rather push someone else into something new, and we will stick with what we are comfortable with. We like the easy, comfy life, but following Jesus does not guarantee our life will be easy.

Whether we are in the throes of melancholy or dealing with events on catastrophic levels, we are not alone. We can allow our brains to take the shape of our Creator’s thoughts toward us, to “take refuge in the shadow of [his] wings until the disaster has passed” (Psalms 57:1), knowing that “The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28; 2 Samuel 22:29).

We grow so accustomed to the daily grind of our busy lives, with barely a thought of reassessing if what we are doing is what we ought to be doing. And here’s another thought:  what if the “thing you had planned” that didn’t turn out the way you thought, was actually part of the Bigger Plan?

The Panama sun beats down on the cracked ground, even in the mid-morning. I have never been out of the country in my nineteen years of life, but here I find myself in the suburbs of Panama City, serving with global missionaries and other students from my college. 

Groups like ANM help people receive and access the Bible - in their NATIVE language. Right now, we are partnering to promote them giving Children’s Storybook Bibles to China. These Bibles could end up in the hands of children who have NEVER been exposed to Jesus. How cool is that?

As I watch the news headlines scroll across my television screen, I’m left in a state of helplessness and heartbreak over the lost lives and utter destruction taking place in Ukraine and across the globe. In the last few weeks of praying for the Ukraine/Russian war, the Lord continually reminded me that He is in control and has a purpose and a plan through even this sudden terror.