2016-2017 has been a ride wild thus far, to say the least.
earlier this year, Dad started speaking to me. May it bless your heart, as it has mine as I've pressed deeper into the truth of His goodness and faithfulness:
God to Britt: "I'm pruning, preparing, posturing, positioning, pressing, and protecting you, Princess! I am the constant thread in your life among everything else that seems scattered. There is no 'answer,' but rather a way to see Me in all circumstances. There are no 'dreams' without seeing Me in/through them. Bring everything to the light with Me. Can't you see I'm working in your midst? Don't overdo it--stay close to Me! Everything else can fall apart on earth--marriage, family, job. I am the only firm foundation. Everything can be questioned--Jesus is the only true understanding. "
SELAH.
You see, over the past year, those things in my life listed HAVE, quote-en-quote, "fallen apart." By no means to overshare, but I know the power that lies in my own vulnerability of sharing my life snippets from the last year:
I turned down and walked away from my dream job of performing at Disney.
I entered into a ministry program I was unsure about, and almost didn't start because of sickness, scheduling conflict, and even an odd financial setback.
I entered into a new job.
My marriage was tested under the stresses of scheduling and lack of time in crazy Hong Kong.
I was deeply homesick from living on the other side of the world from my home country and my family.
My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.
My two best friend's Mom and sister were diagnosed with different types of stage 4 cancers.
My best friend walked through a depression.
I had a Visa issue that delayed my time in HK and kept me from my HK life for almost a month.
YET His perfect peace has swept over me in a tidal wave of grace. He has redeemed every single situation that I have surrendered over to Him. He's in the business of taking the wreckage and turning it into something beautiful!
My dream job at Disney came back with another perfectly timed offer.
The ministry program I entered has completely revitalised my faith! God has used this platform to completely transform my walk in newness of life with Him! I went to the first class sick and somehow made it through, I fixed the financial issue, and God has worked my hectic schedule out almost perfectly to attend each week!
The job change was one of immense growth in an incredible support system. God freed me from the fear of man through immense growth. Each step of the way was so beautiful and FULL from the people I was surrounded by! I am still able to serve with my church in tandem with being back at Disney.
My marriage is continually redeemed and refreshed, full of love and wonder, and God has given and showed us how to make more time together, and get creative! Communication, forgiveness, and inner healing practices on both ends have also been beautiful, invaluable gifts and growth areas.
I was able to go home not only once, but TWICE, to see my family! The second visit was extended significantly as I got to stay home and even more time than I anticipated!
I got to walk with my Mom in-person at her treatments! She is now in remission after her radiation! #Hallelujah!
One of my best friend's Mom gave her life to Christ, and though is still in chemo, had a successful surgery, and has a refreshed outlook from her newfound faith! The other best friend's sister is also still going through chemo but also had a successful initial surgery, and we are believing for more miracles!
My best friend came through her depression, and through a series of events, is able to go home to her family for good, and testify of His goodness! God spoke powerfully through her community and Hong Kong in assuring her that going home was the right decision! <3
God took care of my extended Visa issue, in such a smooth transition, that gave me even more time at home to be with family!
THIS WAS MY GIANT, BLESSING OF A 'SELAH!' #WONTHEDOIT #COMEONSOMEBDODY #THISISOURGOD #HEHASTURNEDTHEBITTERINTOSWEET !!!!!
MY SELAH'S (EXCLAMATION OF STOP//PAUSE//PONDER!):
Jesus is in the business of turning things around. He is not only so ridiculously good that He turns it around, but He promises to BE WITH ME. He promises EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, and ABOVE, all I could ask or imagine! #SELAH
THE BEST PART--when I was going through these things, I WAS GROWING. It was BITTER. But it was SWEET. And when He takes through something, you come out on the other side to shout it out to others, to bless people with His immense, unfathomable goodness! #SELAH
The true difference in the two lists are simply the presence of Jesus. Even if nothing changed, I learned to be satisfied regardless of the outcome. I learned to love the Giver of the gifts more than the gifts (of hopes, of dreams, of relationships, of time) themselves! #SELAH
I learned that He is truly in the business of turning things around--all for His glory, not mine! #SELAH
I learned to trust in Him, actually FULLY, and not rely on FEAR, which is only: "False Evidence Appearing Real." #SELAH
I learned to be in Perfect Peace in Him even when I'm not sure of the next day's outcome! #SELAH
The Word of God and Prayer have become actual pillars in my life with which I find sheer delight! #SELAH
My time spent with the Spirit of God, inviting Him to every moment, is utterly intoxicating! #SELAH
My prayer language has busted at the seams. #SELAH
Freedom has washed over me to be the most free Brittany I could possibly be. #SELAH
Won't He do it. God is always up to something unimaginably good. And the SELAH is so WORTH IT.
(PS: A song that has blessed me immensely in this season, "Perfect Peace"):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0ocuiLNELc