this might catch you by surprise, but I believe the Gospel is can be boiled down to one word. Love. And that is what I live my life for. His Love, and sharing that Love with others. There is no greater joy. Read Luke 12. It is most apparent to me after reading: "To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked." I have been given much too much. Much more than this sinner deserves for sure. I cannot help but ask "Why me, LORD?" Not in times of despair, but in times of joy and abundant blessings. How did I, a broken and weary child, with a life that I even I shudder at when I recall past memories, get here? A dear friend said it best in a recent conversation when she looked at me with the most beautiful smile and said, "Nikki, WE are not supposed to be ok!" And she is right. Culture and statistics could prove that moreover. It is only by His Grace and Love that I am here. What a joy to be able to tell that story for the rest of my life, and all that has yet to be revealed.
As you know, I board a plane tomorrow for Ghana, Africa.
First, I would ask you to please pray for the people we will meet. Pray that He would prepare their hearts for the Gospel, and for those that are believers, that we would be able to encourage them by our presence.
Second, for my two friends and I on travels. Pray that He will protect us, and that it will be a smooth trip with luggage that does not get rummaged and does not weigh too much.
And, from my heart...
I have two personal fervent prayers for my growth there.
One, I am claiming Luke 22:31-32 for this trip, for myself. I desire a stronger, unmovable relationship with my Savior, just as Peter did during this time when Christ spoke to him and said, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Second, Matthew 17. "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Disclaimer: This is not my attempt to claim my rights in some form of the prosperity gospel, by any means. My desire is to achieve great things for the Kingdom, and that will require unshakable faith, and some serious sifting and strengthening. This is just the beginning and the difficult weeks that I have seen of late, and that have kept me from updating this for some time, are only the tip of the iceberg to prepare me for the desires of my heart in serving my King.
A few weeks ago, I boarded a plane with some of my best friends and JUMPED! (I went skydiving) It was nothing short of the most incredible experience of my life. And the next coming weeks, I am expecting that to be thoroughly trumped when I again board a plane and take a faith jump, leading to a closer walk with my Beloved.
thank you for reading and praying. I cannot wait to update from Africa!!!
grace & peace,
nikki
