It’s midnight and I am sitting in my hotel in Israel. Of the many (many) emotions I am currently feeling, exhaustion and hunger currently top the list. Traveling internationally for the first time was a little intimidating and, honestly, I was totally unprepared. Next time I will pack Dramamine in my carry-on because it isn’t very helpful in my checked luggage. Next time, I will bring my own blanket because what they provided on the ten-hour flight wasn’t nearly enough to combat the frigid temperatures on the plane. Next time, I will invest in one of those fancy little pillows so I can actually sleep during the flight. With new travel experiences come valuable lessons: It’s the small things that make the biggest difference.
Another emotion topping my list tonight is fear. This isn’t new to me, actually, fear is something I’ve combatted my entire life. The enemy used it to try to win me over for good as a young woman and now he still uses it to try to keep me from all that God has for me. The list of things that tempts me into anxiety is long, but God is bigger. I decided long ago I’d rather “do it scared” than not do it at all, and have regrets. (Side note: Flying is on that list, but God just helped me through 4 airports and nearly 15 hours in the air. With God all things really are possible!)
So tonight I go to bed exhausted from the trip that led me here, slightly afraid of the unknown but also completely excited about the week ahead. I am determined not to allow fear to trump my faith and miss this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
I choose faith over fear. I choose trust over doubt. I choose Jesus!