I was sitting in a coffee shop just over a week ago, having just submitted my biometrics (aka. fingerprints) for
my UK residence permit. In the
weeks before, I had experienced a range of emotions.
I would swing from wondering if I should just go home,
finish my time in YWAM, forget everything I’ve felt like God has said, start
on my degree to being confident in what I was doing, being excited for the vision
God has for this nation and knowing that every step would be provided for as he’s
promised.
But sitting in that coffee shop after finalizing my
application, I felt complete and utter peace over my mind. I didn’t feel
anxious, I didn’t second guess. And that’s when I had my final confirmation.
Extending my time in YWAM for an undetermined amount of time and staying in
England to move to a city in the west: I was exactly where I was supposed to
be.
It was during the last school while I was co-leading an
outreach team to Romania that I felt challenged by God. I was trying to decide
whether or not to stay in YWAM and figuring out the pros and
cons in my usual logical fashion. When I realised my objections were
contrary to what God had promised to be faithful in (my family and provision), I
felt a challenge be put to me:
A challenge to go after what I see and to step out and trust
Him with what I don’t. A challenge of my faith: do I believe God will follow
through on his promise?
In these past few months as I`ve committed to staying in the
UK, I`ve seen his faithfulness already. As I`ve stepped out, I`ve seen him
follow through. And it`s on this journey that I`ve seen what ‘normal’ is.
Normal isn't and shouldn't be dependent on what country I grew up in or what
culture I learn to adapt to. Normal should be listening to God and obeying.
Stepping out in faith, whether at university or in YWAM, should be normal. And
as it turns out, YWAM will be my journey for a while. The only thing I regret
is the photo on my residence card.
