Reading Journal Entries

One of the things I love doing is reading past journal entries, especially after a retreat where He reminds me of His faithfulness in my life. For those of you who don’t know my story, I was lead to come to Korea 6 months before starting college. Although I already applied and got into the school of my dreams in America, I knew He was calling me here. Despite me battling Him for what I wanted He made is SO clear that I was to come to Korea. After various miraculous occurrences I managed to apply to Yonsei University (I didn’t even know universities existed in Korea till this point) just 4 months before school begins. Got in to this prestigious university despite what my report card said and got my parents’ blessing too! It was crazy as I think back so much happened in a short period of time.

One thing I remembered so clearly was how upset I was if I could find a community. I remembered crying in my room asking God “Will you give me a community that loves you just as much as I do and even more?” Because if I went to America I knew I would have a community there already. A lot of my friends from elementary school went to that college. I knew I could get plugged in right away, but if I had chosen Korea I would have no control. He kept assuring me to trust Him and believe that He had plans not to harm me but to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Here I am 4 years later, after He offered His hand and asking me “Do you trust me?” and me reaching for His saying “Yes.” Let me just say that this has been the craziest magic carpet ride that I have ever been on in my life! Reading my past journal entries of when I first came to Korea of how broken, depressed, and lonely I was and reading the progression of each encounter I had with Him through sermons and my New Philly family brought me to tears.

I felt like I was reading a novel, a story of a girl whose life seemed to be so perfect, but she was so broken inside. I was reading the journey of how she encountered her Prince who pursued her day in and day out. Who planned amazing things for her life, but she didn’t always trust him and sometimes went her own way. Each time she would come back He would still be on His knees waiting for her to accept the ring. When she finally said yes, He made her a Princess. The orphan girl who walked the streets of shame and doubt, He crowned her with His glory. As she learned to be a Princess she learned of more of His love for her. That she didn’t have to do everything perfectly, He loved her regardless. She could never fail in His eyes. The more she got to know her Prince the more she knew her true identity. She no longer fell for the lies that would be whispered to her. With each step she grew in influence and authority. She became a Princess full of boldness who realized that she was made to rule a Kingdom. She shined His light through the dark places of the Kingdom, she was sent binding up the broken hearted, proclaiming freedom for the captives and sharing the Good News that true love does exist. Although at times she would hear the lies that she wasn’t made for this, she would look back and see the faithfulness of her Prince. Her Prince that unconditionally loved her, and that was she needed to know to walk in her destiny.

I'm always in awe of how amazing He is and His love for me. I honestly had no clue what life would have been like in Korea 4 years ago, but I am SO glad I said YES! Yes to His plans, Yes to His promises, Yes to following Him! Life might get crazy, but I trust He writes the best stories EVER!