It’s amazing to me that no matter how many times I read a Bible verse or go over a lesson or attend a DNOW that God never ceases to teach me something new and bring new and refreshing insights into His Word and truth. At this past DNOW at Brighton Park, I was completely blown away by the way that God allowed me to see him in such a new light. This weekend God showed me how he has been working in my life the last few years to prepare me for exactly where I am today. During the worship on Saturday night, I was completely overwhelmed with God’s faithfulness. I have truly seen God work out in my life the truth of Romans 8:28, that “He causes all things to work together for the good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” I have endured some difficult and low times throughout my journey in college so far, but sitting at the point that I’m at now, knowing that I’m exactly where God has planned for me to be, and looking hopefully towards what great promises the future holds, I am able to also look back and see how God used every detail of my past to work together for my good. The hard times were there to teach me things I never would have learned otherwise. Even though they were painful at the time, they have helped refine my attitude and character to be more representative of those of Christ’s.

Not only has God used the difficult times in my life to shape and mold me, but He also used many good experiences that I’ve had. This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Korea for a month to teach English. Many of the experiences there stretched me and brought me far outside of my comfort zone. I was in many situations I never thought I’d be able to handle, but God granted me the grace to persevere and even come to enjoy the unique places He led us to. Looking back on this trip now, and on other events and things in my life that I went through this summer, I can see how God used every single detail to prepare me to be ready for what He had in store for me next. While sitting at the bonfire during worship, God open my mind up to see His perspective on my life for a moment. Instead of seeing every moment that I’ve had as an individual and separate experience, God drew me back from my microscopic view and let me see the whole picture, the beautiful web of my life that He has so elaborately woven together. No longer did I wonder why certain strands had been incorporated into it or what their purpose in the design was. Now that I was outside the situation, I was able to see exactly why God had weaved as He did, and how beautifully every detail came out together. I not only heard the truth that God delights in every detail of man’s life, but I was able to see that evident in my life by reflecting on the work that God has done. I truly cannot even begin to describe how good of a God He is, and how amazing and wise He has proven Himself to be because He has blessed me so abundantly and has worked everything out for good because I have been called according to His purpose. At the same time, I know that things are not always going to be good and that there will be rough times ahead again. This time, however, I will not lose hope, because I will hold fast to the truth of God and worship Him regardless of the circumstances, since everything that happens has a specific purpose in shaping me and taking me to exactly where God is leading me. In the meantime, I will rejoice in the work God has done and in His nature as Almighty God, the Author and Perfector of my faith, knowing that He is weaving together a beautiful masterpiece in my life.

Sean loves the element of danger!

You tell 'em Hannah; you tell 'em.

Playing with ants? Seriously guys!

Turn around and smile Briauna!

Me 'n my Corpus homies!