faithful.

I have been in college for a little over a month now. As most of you know, my journey leading up to moving away was not how I originally envisioned it. The Lord got a hold of my heart and asked me to take a huge step of faith to get me to where I am now. Was it hard? Yes. But the Lord continued to remind me that leading up to the day I would leave that he would provide for me in this new season. Boy, was he not kidding.

I have been blessed with incredible friends, well-rounded professors, an awesome roommate, an incredible sisterhood,

an amazing church community, a bible study community, and a sense of peace. Regardless of all the change I've experienced, within five weeks, the Lord has shown me that "change" is not something that holds him back. Has every moment that I've been here been amazing? No, I've definitely had times where I have questioned everything happening in my life. I've been confused, scared, frustrated, sad, and everything in between. The reason I am writing this post is not to make you feel sorry for me or to flaunt my current situation in front of you, but rather I hope that you would see the Lord's faithfulness in my life and that it would encourage you.

The great thing about the God we serve is that he cannot be compared to the things of this world. The world changes, but God never does. Our idea of good is not even close to what the goodness of God encompasses. God is not weighed down by failed relationships, bad grades, illness, fights or anything that we consider obstacles. He is always faithful even when we are not. We allow these obstacles to keep us from being obedient. I am the first to speak up and say that I have allowed my circumstances to dictate my relationship with God. But the love of God is not circumstantial. If it was, we would not have hope. If he only loved us when we loved him back, what would make him different from anyone else in this world? We can't compare him to the world, so stop letting your circumstances justify whether or not he is faithful. Just because you are uncomfortable does not mean he is unfaithful. We are called to stretch beyond our means for the sake of the Gospel, and this is when we fully rely on the Lord because we know that we are incapable. The place that the Lord sent me for college is not where I wanted to be. I wanted to stay close to my family. I wanted to already have friends on campus. I wanted to feel like I had control, but this isn't how the Lord wanted it.

Here's the thing: if I had any sort of control over my life, I would not be where I am. I would have fully relied on my own abilities and knowledge and would have seen no reason to consult God. But we are not called to consult God only when we feel like we need him. We are called to consult God in all things because we should strive for his glory over our comfort. This is why I could take that step of faith. I was reminded of my purpose on this earth. It is through my obedience that I could see the Lord's faithfulness. Don't allow the idea of "being comfortable" get in the way. Comfort is something we can only find in the Lord.

Regardless of what season of life you are in, know this: the Lord is faithful always, but you have to keep your heart and mind so that you can see his faithfulness. Don't ask for him to move if you aren't going to be looking for how he moves. Don't ask him for discernment if you aren't willing to be still and listen to what he has to say. Be open to his plan so that he can reveal to you how he is faithful in that plan.

1 Corinthians 15:58 says this: "Therefore, my brothers, be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." This verse has always encouraged me in all seasons of life. Regardless of your circumstances, remain steadfast in your faith so that you can see the Lord's faithfulness. Your obedience is not for nothing. Your faith is not for nothing. The Lord has a purpose for all things in your life and it is your faith that reveals that truth.

My heart is so full for what the Lord has already done in my life and I am cheerfully expectant to share with y'all what else he has done later on this semester.