.sprained ankles & renewed perspectives.

It's been one month and I am still processing the adventure that was Sweden. Since it was a ground-breaking trip, focused on relationship- & partnership- building, we knew we would encounter opposition.

Little did we know...

From the very moment of our arrival, the enemy attempted to disable us, to discourage us, to render us paralyzed in self-focused feelings. As a team, we encountered an unexpected arrival leading to a surprise 8 hour wait in the Stockholm airport, a 6 hour cramped car ride, and feelings of insecurity about our ability to help. Individually, we each battled something that cut to the core of our being.

The second day there, I severely sprained my ankle.

It was a blow to my heart. Doubt & frustration flooded in, followed by an unsettling darkness. I found myself sitting on my bunk -alone-, icing my ankle, eating granola bars, and wishing I could fast-forward to the end of the week. I opened up my journal to complain and this is what flowed forth:

"I planned on starting this journal entry, 'I'm frustrated.' But, when I
was flipping through to find my page, all I saw was my last entry--'May He become greater and I become less.' My whole attitude changed in an instant. What I had seen as an irritant -a frustration- I now see as an event that has passed through God's hands-- an event He will use for His glory. Satan has attempted to disable me, to weaken me through the negative thoughts he placed in my head. But, our God is GREATER! And while I initially struggled with the thought that 'I'm no longer of use here at this fitness camp. My ministry is hindered.', I've realized that the Lord is NEVER to be hindered and He WILL use me in whatever state I am, in whatever way He sees fit."

My gaze was refocused on Christ.

Details of the week blur in comparison to the overarching awe that I feel of the God we serve. Earthly speaking, our goals were accomplished--a partnership was formed and our fitness classes were successes. But, it was so much more than that. Encouragement and blessings abounded as God was glorified.

And so, the prayer resounds lounder:"He must become greater; I must become less." [John 3:30]