God's plan > my plan

When I started thinking about going to Bolivia, I kept pushing the idea out of my head. I didn't think I was qualified and I didn't think I had the right intentions. God's plan is always better. Whenever I had doubts, a sermon or chapel would discredit my thoughts. For example, when I felt inadequate, my Old Testament teacher spoke on how God uses the unlikely (Moses, Abraham, Joseph). Funny timing. 

I started to pray about the trip more seriously. Maybe God really did want me going to Bolivia. I spent hours on the Hospitals of Hope website. I emailed the organization in search of more information. The pieces started falling together. But, I felt that I needed a friend- someone to travel across the world with. 

Two friends entered my mind. I felt that I needed at least one travel companion and so I prayed and asked them if they would be interested. To make a long story short, neither of them were able to go. One friend even applied and was planning on going, but some things came up that prevented her from going. Again, God's plan>our plan. After hearing that the two people I thought were meant to go on the trip weren't able to go, I was crushed. I didn't think that I could go to Bolivia alone. I might get abducted, or lost, or die! I might, I might, I might...

I had two options: go or stay. My parents had a peace about the trip. My mom even said, "When I was your age I went to communist Hungary by myself. I think you should go." My dad was equally supportive. I had a peace about going. Now that things have settled down, I am starting to see that God's plan is better. Of course I would have loved to have my friends come with me, but God wasn't calling them to Bolivia this summer. He has called me and His plans are always better. 

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:8 

Now, I have to realize that God- the ultimate protector- will be guiding me through this trip. I won't know a single person, I will be entering a new culture, I don't know the language very well, and I am traveling alone. It is scary. To the world, this may seem crazy. But, to use the words of Francis Chan, "God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.”

My new favorite song is Oceans by Hillsong. It talks about how God calls us out upon the waters, 'the great unknown.' Bolivia is my great unknown but if I keep my eyes on Christ, He will keep me from sinking. 

This is my prayer (and a part of the song):  

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my saviour.

And the song is so good, everyone should listen to it. :)