christywoodburn - Hakuna Matata

With only two weeks left in this place that has become my home the Lord reminds me daily of the different things he has used Nicaragua to teach me.

Worrying is completely and utterly pointless. When we first got here I would get so caught up on what the future would hold, who I would be with in the upcoming countries, and what ministry I would work with, etc. As I began to pray over what was to come the Lord told me a few things. He would be like “Christy don’t you remember that whatever happens is best for you? Don’t you remember that my plan is perfect for you?” Over and over in scripture the Lord makes it clear not to worry.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…. Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life… Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:25,27&34

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" ....

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:15-16&37-39

The Lord has given me so much peace over the past couple of weeks because I know the Lord has things planned that I cannot even imagine. Isn’t it great that we can live in excitement of what is to come rather than fear? Praise the Lord for how he blesses us!

Through realizing the complete pointlessness of worry I have realized the importance of living in the moment. With only two weeks left in Nicaragua the Lord is showing me the reality that every day is a blessing and that we are to make the most of it. This past week we lived in a hostel in Leon, a larger city about 45 minutes away. Every morning we would wake up and ask the Lord to put people in our path that we could encourage, help, smile at, or pray for. Although it was only a week, it was a beautiful picture of how life should look whether we are on the mission field or living our daily life at home. We are promised one day at a time so why would we do anything else besides live each day for others in order to serve the Lord?

I have also learned to be content. I have learned this not only through the happiness I see in the midst of poverty but through wearing the same shirt for three days in a row and being glad that I have cold running water to take a shower in. A few days ago I was walking around in Bethel with Naynay and we noticed a cute little old lady sitting alone. So we decided to talk to her and ask if she needed prayer. She shared with us that all of her four kids have died and now she lives alone in her house. She told us how it is hard and sometimes she is lonely, but she knows the Lord is with her. It is people like this that I am like okay never complain again. Thank you Lord for your blessings.

Our squad has worship about once a week.. a few weeks ago during worship I wrote this in my journal:

“The point is not that I am happy, the point is not that I am comfortable, the point is not that I am accepted and loved by everyone, the point is that I am utterly and completely in love with Jesus”

Every day I am learning more and more about living for the Lord rather than myself. It seems that the more of myself I give, the more peace I receive, the more joy I am filled with, and the more freedom I have. Thank you Lord for the fact that the more we give up the more we receive!

Thank you so much for all your support in prayers. It is such an encouragement every time I hear how many people are praying for me! I know they are working! So often I think to myself… I know that happened because so many people are praying for me!! Please pray that we make the most of our last two weeks here! Thank you so much!! Love you all!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything , but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, Ant the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7