When I first moved to Guatemala I lived with a family. A family that I had never met. I didn't even know their names. I was surrounded by people, yet I felt so alone. This is one of devil's strongest tactics; isolation. He likes to make us feel completely alone. He wants us to feel like no one cares. He wants to make you feel as weak as possible so he can move in and take over your heart. He was doing this to me. I felt alone, completely isolated. I'm in a country that's not my own. Surrounded by people that don't speak my language. But, there's one thing that we have to realize. We're not alone. We're never alone. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail nor abandon you." Did you hear that? We don't have to be afraid. We don't have to be discouraged. I can be strong and courageous. You can be brave and bold. Don't let fear take hold of you. I know it's easier said than done. Trust me, I know. I live in a spanish speaking country. I had to learn the language. And guess what? I'm still learning. I get scared sometimes to just open my mouth and talk. But I have to realize that this is where God sent me. This is my calling. To go into all the world and tell them about the immense love of Jesus. So, I need to speak up and be bold! Whether I'm speaking in english or spanish. God is with me. All the time. Just like He's with you. We're His children. His children! A good dad never leaves his children to figure things out on their own. He guides and leads them. We need to learn to stop looking at ourselves. Stop looking at our surroundings. And start looking to the one who has all the answers. When we look to ourselves..situations look and feel hopeless. Because they are. We can't live this life on our own. It's literally impossible. So, stop trying! Look to HIM. He'll make you strong. He'll make you bold. He'll give you the courage you need to do His will.
When I first moved in with the family here in Guatemala I was invited to go to a christian church event. The family was 100% catholic. So, the fact that they actually went was a miracle. I was sitting there and they started praying for people. One lady walked up to me, touched my shoulder and started professing this over me, "No estás sola. No estás sola." She was telling me that I wasn't alone! God was reminding me that He was still there. And that He was never going to leave nor forsake me.
