random...

I praise God for allowing me to make it through yet another month. It is by his grace that I am alive and well and that He works in me.

This month will be particularly critical for me because I have a final interview with Teach for America. God is so good, beyond what I can express in words. I had asked Him, "Father, please let me make it to a phone interview," and He surpassed what I had asked, allowing for me to go straight to a final interview. Blessed be His name! Tears of joy streamed down my face as I read the news because I knew that it was ALL God, none but Jesus. I place my future in His hands, that He may open this door if it is the one meant for me.

These last few months have been very trying for me. But I'm finally beginning to realize a lot of things and letting go of certain strongholds (whether people, actions or feelings) in my life. Others, I've seen resurface and then I feel guilt for turning back again. I guess it all takes time, but the point is that now I DO feel convicted because of it, something that didn't used to happen. And I know that God is slowly working in me to get me to where I need to be.

Among the other praises I have for my Lord, I thank Him because I see our tiny church growing, both spiritually and numerically. God is placing people in our path that are so on fire for Him, willing to serve, willing to take the hardships for His name. Where there are trials, God provides. Through this experience, I am being molded as a leader and as a person to be strong and to give myself in service. I see a more mature Daniella, a young woman that owns up to responsibility, that doesn't serve just to do it, but because it is a privelege she has been given and because she understands that God wants to use her. I've stopped being selfish and holding back. I want more. I want to understand. I want to love like He does. I want to serve like Jesus. I want God to break my heart for what breaks His. I want my eyes to be opened. I want to be humbled for His name. Am I up for the challenge? You bet. Is it going to be easy? Jesus never said it was. Oh dear. But there is hope. Romans 10:11 tells me "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." And what a promise that is!