Ireland Photos 1: September 2018
Ascending Croagh Patrick
Throughout the winter, I (Matthew) watched as Amy diligently fasted and prayed with God. She would close our bedroom door in the evenings and spend hours worshiping, waiting, and listening to Him. When she finally exited our room, her face would radiate with joy as she shared the words God had spoken to her in the quiet place. I longed to join her, but it was such a struggle for me both physically and mentally. I couldn’t fast like Amy. I would starve all morning and then break my fast by noon. Even when I tried to pray I couldn’t seem to concentrate. My mind was restless and void.
“Amy, I don’t know how you’ve managed to fast this long,” I say enviously.
“I think it’s because God has invited me to fast and pray,” Amy answers. “Therefore I have the grace to accomplish His will. Trust me Matt, without God’s grace I don’t think I could’ve done this either.”
Back then, I didn’t understand what Amy was trying to say. That is, until I got a taste of this grace for myself.
Scotland Photos: August 2018
Winter Assignment Part 3: The Direction
The winter of 2018 was one of the most exciting season’s of my life. I started off the year with an amazing invitation from God to draw closer to Him and grow spiritually. For the next five months, I started devoting myself to fasting and praying every Tuesday and Thursday. Then on June 19th, my birthday, God spoke a powerful message over me and Matt. He offered to let us continue our journey east around the world. God blessed The Narrow Shoulder, calling it a wilderness journey, and declaring it both faithful and righteous in His sight (read story here). In addition, God provided for the journey in a miraculous way. Three days after my birthday, we received a gift of $12,500. This specific amount of money was given to us after God used our finances to test our hearts throughout the winter season. He challenged us with an important question,
How much do you want to be blessed?
Winter Assignment Part 2: Move the Mountain
Have you ever tried to execute a financial plan, only to have it turn completely on its head? This is what Matt and I experienced this winter. When we first arrived in Halifax, we were very low on funds and our journey east had come to a sudden halt. Unsure as to how we should proceed, Matt and I came up with a very simple plan. We would both find full-time employment and save up our money to continue on The Narrow Shoulder. We estimated that it would take approximately two years to save up enough money. It was a good plan. However, God’s plan turned out to be much different than our own. Our jobs ended up being both part-time and temporary. Our paychecks were only enough to pay for our rent and livelihood. When we did receive extra funds, God encouraged us to be generous and give it away. During this season, God tested our hearts like never before. In so many situations, Matt and I were challenged with a choice. To put our faith in our jobs and finances, or to put our faith in God. Continue reading “Winter Assignment Part 2: Move the Mountain”