Cycles of Change

      It seems my major life changes happen in cycles of 1 year. Two years ago I received my acceptance letter to Spokane, one year ago I opened my acceptance letter to Chicago, and this past Spring I opened a letter from Residence Life saying I had been accepted as a Resident Assistant. 

      My mom and I were talking about her hermeneutics class, she had just done a narrative analysis on Genesis 22; the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac. She explained to me (which I already knew) that the story (for our eyes) was not so much about the sacrifice but more importantly trust, specifically trust in God about what we  were sacrificing. Abraham went along with the process of sacrificing Isaac because he believed and knew that God was good, and God’s actions would not betray that characteristic. Therefore, when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham believed and trusted that God would make this good. 

      Two years ago, I expected Chicago, but the Lord gave me Spokane. I was hurt and confused - what did this curve ball mean to all the plans and dreams I had in my head? Was I supposed to go? It’s in WASHINGTON! What could possibly be in Washington state for me? But I knew God had a plan, so I trusted Him. I graduated high school, packed up my bags and moved out to Washington. 

      One year ago, I was looking at a possible RA position in Spokane, but before I went into my interview I received my letter of acceptance to Chicago. I had applied to there and desired to go, but soon heard about a need for RA’s and was highly recommended, so I decided to pursue that as well. I held two equally amazing options in my hands. So I choose Chicago, said no to the RA position, even though I really wanted that, because I knew that something big would happen in Chicago. So I left everything I knew, my second home, a big opportunity; and completely started over. Again. 

      This past Spring, I stood outside CPO and opened my letter from Res Life - I was accepted. My move to Chicago couldn’t have been any better. 10 West was truly an amazing floor and most of my dear friends lived there as well. Now it was time to say goodbye to 10 West, hello to 4 North and the opportunity to be their RA. 

      After Abraham is stopped by the Angel of the Lord, he sacrifices a Ram and calls the mountain “The LORD will Provide.” 

“...as it i said to this day, ‘On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:14

Two years ago, I sacrificed everything for Spokane - and the Lord provided. 

One year ago, I sacrificed Spokane for Chicago - and the Lord provided.

This Spring, I sacrificed 10 West for 4 North and a huge responsibility - and I will trust God for provision.

      It’s breath-taking how we can look back on our lives and see God’s continued faithfulness. It gives me the hope to carry on. When I find myself in situations similar to the past, He gives me grace to see beyond this moment. Grace to know that He is still God, and He is still enthrone as high King, and He is always faithful. Yet, we are always faithful to forget this, may we continually remember His provisions and His faithfulness. May we continue to press on, knowing and trusting that He will always be good to our lives. May we continue to pursue Him, as He equally and even more intently pursues us.