Wow, I can't believe it. I officially have a blog! It has taken a while to get started but it's up and running and that's all that counts. And it's my goal to keep all those I care about, my family and friends, updated on what is going on in my journey.
This "maiden voyage" post finds me in Sydney, Australia, just stepping into my second semester at the Hillsong International Leadership College. The first semester has been quite the journey, and I hope to dedicate a full posting or two to to more fully document it. As I begin this next semester, I am mindful of God's provision in getting me here and keeping me here and I find it vital that I give Him praise for his faithfulness.
In order to best explain this, I must briefly recap my time here thus far. During my time here in Bible College with Hillsong, I have run into several health problems which unfortunately climaxed while beginning my studies in Australia. This has limited what I have been able to do in my time here. However, God has provided for me in amazing ways. After my loving family and friends back home have contributed in prayer and even financial support for my time here, I have been able to step into my second semester here at Hillsong. And after wondering which direction was in store for next semester and provision, God surprised me yet again with an amazing group of friends from my home church, Maranatha Baptist in Logan, Utah, who spent a great amount of time in prayer interceeding for me. During this time, I felt great breakthrough in my situation and also in direction for my future time with Hillsong. Then about a week later, a financial gift from an anonymous source simply turned up in my home mail box in Utah. This gift more than doubled what I had pledged to give to our "Heart for the House" offering at Hillsong--a financial gift meant to pour into our church's ministry for reaching people worldwide with the gospel and sharing Christ's love. Oftentimes, this goal is accomplished through meeting the practical needs of food and shelter of those in third world countries or providing disaster relief for people caught in tragedies such as the devastating flooding in Fiji.
So, this is what blew me away: Just that day I had prayed for God to provide a way for me to be in college if that's where he wanted me to stay. (At this point, I was considering taking time away from college to get my health settled before continuing.) My mom then called me literally right as I finished praying and gave me news about this financial provision which had just come through. I was just blown away by God showing me that he had not forgotten this act of faith and that he was wanting to provide for my time in Bible College here in Australia and take care of me.
So, the adventure continues this next semester and I take it day by day, seeking the Mana from heaven daily, and receiving the provision I need for each day. And do you know what I'm discovering? It's not always comfortable in the process, but it's an exciting place to live from and it's teaching me trust the Lord more fully. I'm excited to see where the Lord takes me this semester as I seek him day by day. And he's teaching me more and more to seek his face and not his hand to change my circumstances or bring what I think I need. I am realizing more and more that we are transformed in his presence and in his presence is fullness of joy and the joy of the Lord is truly our strength! Out of this place of intimacy, we find true fullfillment and provision.
This "maiden voyage" post finds me in Sydney, Australia, just stepping into my second semester at the Hillsong International Leadership College. The first semester has been quite the journey, and I hope to dedicate a full posting or two to to more fully document it. As I begin this next semester, I am mindful of God's provision in getting me here and keeping me here and I find it vital that I give Him praise for his faithfulness.
In order to best explain this, I must briefly recap my time here thus far. During my time here in Bible College with Hillsong, I have run into several health problems which unfortunately climaxed while beginning my studies in Australia. This has limited what I have been able to do in my time here. However, God has provided for me in amazing ways. After my loving family and friends back home have contributed in prayer and even financial support for my time here, I have been able to step into my second semester here at Hillsong. And after wondering which direction was in store for next semester and provision, God surprised me yet again with an amazing group of friends from my home church, Maranatha Baptist in Logan, Utah, who spent a great amount of time in prayer interceeding for me. During this time, I felt great breakthrough in my situation and also in direction for my future time with Hillsong. Then about a week later, a financial gift from an anonymous source simply turned up in my home mail box in Utah. This gift more than doubled what I had pledged to give to our "Heart for the House" offering at Hillsong--a financial gift meant to pour into our church's ministry for reaching people worldwide with the gospel and sharing Christ's love. Oftentimes, this goal is accomplished through meeting the practical needs of food and shelter of those in third world countries or providing disaster relief for people caught in tragedies such as the devastating flooding in Fiji.
So, this is what blew me away: Just that day I had prayed for God to provide a way for me to be in college if that's where he wanted me to stay. (At this point, I was considering taking time away from college to get my health settled before continuing.) My mom then called me literally right as I finished praying and gave me news about this financial provision which had just come through. I was just blown away by God showing me that he had not forgotten this act of faith and that he was wanting to provide for my time in Bible College here in Australia and take care of me.
So, the adventure continues this next semester and I take it day by day, seeking the Mana from heaven daily, and receiving the provision I need for each day. And do you know what I'm discovering? It's not always comfortable in the process, but it's an exciting place to live from and it's teaching me trust the Lord more fully. I'm excited to see where the Lord takes me this semester as I seek him day by day. And he's teaching me more and more to seek his face and not his hand to change my circumstances or bring what I think I need. I am realizing more and more that we are transformed in his presence and in his presence is fullness of joy and the joy of the Lord is truly our strength! Out of this place of intimacy, we find true fullfillment and provision.
Love it man! I'm super glad to see that you are still following the Lord and so you know how effective your testimony is... You have encouraged me tonight with this Blog.
ReplyDeleteConnecting with friends on Facebook or whatever social network is used is fine but when we can share with others Christ's place and fruit in our own lives we are able to share His love uniquely to those who listen.
Sydney is beautiful. I went there on Jr's Abroad an spent a couple days hanging out and we even attended a Hillsong service. I miss tons.
Be blessed and have an amazingly awesome time there. I'll keep you in my prayers that He might keep you "uncomfortable"...here me out. Our greatest growth most certainly always comes in our greatest weakness. Remember, he does have you under His wing. Times of uncertainty aren't truly recognized for their potential growth till its over.
Talk to you soon Ian!
John Chapt 6 says "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." Saying that you have been called by God to do something is easy. Having the courage and obedience to follow God's calling during the dark days is hard. Ian, you have no idea how badly I needed to read of someone who has the courage to follow God's will no matter how difficult it is. I have been blessed on this day.
ReplyDeleteHi Ian, I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and adventures. You words help me realize all the important things I should have on my mind and I'm grateful for the friendly reminders. Peace be with you :)
ReplyDeleteIan, It is so refreshing to see God working through others. Keep trusting him! There is no doubt in my mind that I was lead to your Blog through him. I needed to hear everything you have written so far. The words that you wrote and I was directed to were an answer to prayer that you can't even imagine. Who are we to question what he has for us?!?
ReplyDeleteVickie Munson (Logan)
Thank you so much for listening to Him and being so obedient even while struggling with your health. I will pray for His will in your life and the power for you to carry that out.
In Him... all things are possible.