A funny thing happens when we welcome God into whatever we are experiencing. I’ve witnessed this funny thing happen many times and in different ways. After my grandmother died, when I welcomed God into my healing, there was less sadness and more comfort in my life. When I was dealing through a lot of my idolatry issues, when I welcomed God into the decisions, even the worst-case scenario did not seem as bad as I had originally thought. And even coming home this summer for four weeks, four weeks that I thought were going to bore me and prevent me from growing, when I welcomed God into those four weeks, there was less anticipation for the future and more contentment in the present. Usually through welcoming God into a part of our life, we surrender our expectations and give Him control to do whatever He desires. It becomes less about us and more about Him.

When I came home at the beginning of May, I had an end goal – survive until June 3^rd when I left for Chicago. I was going to make a little bit of money, get a lot of sleep, and rest. I figured I would take a break from “ministry” because that started when I got to Chicago. Funny joke. I said to God, “I’m welcoming You into the next four weeks, do what You want”. I was thinking that He would rest me, after all, second semester was draining. I’ve gotten to rest, I’ve gotten plenty of sleep, but I haven’t sat around and napped all day. God has reminded me that my ministry follows me wherever I go. I can be a light for Jesus wherever I am, whatever I’m doing. Sometimes when I’m at school, I build up expectations for myself – I need to spend my time doing this, I should be meeting with this girl, and I should share my faith x-amount of times a week. Coming home and spending four weeks at home is such a relief. I may not have a weekly bible study, or discipleship every Wednesday; I might not have lifetime and encourage my dear friend Hannah towards Jesus every Tuesday afternoon, but God is moving, God is working and God is growing me. Not only have I survived the past four weeks, but I’ve thrived. I’ve gotten to share my faith, spend ample time folding clothes and praying at work, and I’ve gotten to rest in the Lord, and allow Him to remind me that He is proud of me not because of what I do, but who I am. I am His.

As I’ve seen in the past, welcoming God into my circumstances changes my perspective. It often times doesn’t change the present; God doesn’t remove the pain, erase how our sin hurts others or change how fast time goes… He does remind us that He has purpose in everything He does. He reminds us that all He requires is for us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [our] God” (Micah 6:8). He reminds us that it isn’t about us, it’s about Him. I pray that whatever your present circumstance, you find the strength to surrender it to God. That you trust that He cares more about you and what you’re going through than you could ever imagine. I pray that you remember that He is proud of you because you are His, and He has created you. Surrender your expectations and allow God to remind you of His glory in everything!