Defining Moments

I have not posted in a long time, the past month has been a whirlwind of one busy activity after another. I had to prepare to go abroad then I had to travel abroad--and one thing I realize is when I go abroad for a short amount of time my quiet times that I need with God are usually put on the back burner. After returning home I had to get my body ready to start the last few weeks of my senior year. So busy busy. But even though I have not had my quiet alone time with God that I need I have been growing, developing, and reflecting on some incredible "God moments."Often times we like to say that we have one big defining moment in our lives--that one BAM moment. But I started to think maybe we have a lot of little defining moments, some are bigger than others but they are always there, challenging you to look at yourself and try to define who you are and who you are becoming. I wish that I could say that I have never had to deal with mean people, cruelty, or disappointment--but I can't. But I know that I am to thank God for all moments, especially those times where I suffer. As Christians we are called to suffer, it is not always happy go lucky. It is in these moments of suffering how we respond is when we are defining ourselves. How we rise to a challenge and how we trust God during these challenges--that is what defines us.A couple of days ago I received news of a "bump in the road" to my plan. I was disappointed and I had to talk myself off the cliff of self-pity. I told myself "You are enough, it is going to be okay." After I pulled it somewhat together I went to my meeting with an incredible, grace filled and loving professor. I told him what had happened and he gave me advice that I think can be applied to most situations.Moses parted the Red Sea, the people were walking on "dry land" in the middle of a body of water. Their pathway was clear, they only had to make it to the other side, there were no obstacles standing in their way. God promised them they would make it, and they could see that they were going to. Sometimes our walk of faith can be easy; we can see a clear path, there are no obstacles. We can walk by sight. But in the case of Joshua we are not told specifically that the water of the Jordan separates instead there is an order that they should "wade into the water" that if they trust God, God will provide a way. Rather than seeing the waters divide first Joshua had to take a leap of faith and wade into the water, hoping that God would provide a clear path. Joshua could not see his path, he had to walk by faith not by sight. Because of his faith and the faith of others, a clear path was provided.My mind was blown when he told me this-it made sense, it connected with me and stuck in my heart. When we are in times of distress or trial we should recognize that maybe this is a test of our trust. Who do we trust? Do we trust that God will clear us a path?These are defining moments; our teacher is watching out for us hoping that we will lean on him.Exodus 14:14"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still."Joshua 1:9"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.