As the new year has begun, I’ve felt a mix of excitement and challenge as school has started back up, and I enter my last semester of high school. One thing I want to be honest about is that my anxiety has been a little heavier again during this season. Getting back into routines, responsibilities, and expectations has felt overwhelming at times. But even in this, God has been gently reminding me that He is sovereign over all my struggles.
Through prayer and reflection, I’ve realized that God is using this season to prepare me. He is preparing me to face anxiety on my own, away from the familiar comforts of home, and teaching me how to lean fully on Him when things feel out of my control. This preparation hasn’t been easy, but it has been purposeful. Even on the hard days, I can see how God is strengthening me and reminding me that I don’t need to fear what’s ahead, because He is already there.
Along with this, God has been drawing my heart toward something very simple yet incredibly powerful as I step into this new year: having a faith like a child. I recently read the book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, and the Holy Spirit has really been moving in me. The way a child trusts so freely, believes so fully, and loves so openly is exactly how I want to approach my relationship with God. I strive to trust God as a child would without overthinking, fear, or doubt getting in the way.
This book has reminded me that faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about trusting God for who He says He is, even when I don’t understand everything. I truly believe this childlike faith will be essential as I step into missions, trusting God in new countries, new cultures, and new challenges, knowing that He is good and faithful no matter what.
The verse I’ve been focusing on this month perfectly reflects what God has been teaching me:
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 18:3
As January flies by, I want to sincerely thank each of you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and financial support. Your faithfulness means more than I can express, and it is because of you that I am able to continue preparing for this mission and walking in obedience to what God has called me to do.
As you pray, I ask that you would pray for peace and trust as I continue navigating anxiety alongside school responsibilities. Please pray that God would continue growing a childlike faith in me and that I would fully trust His plans, even when they feel uncertain. I would also appreciate prayers for continued preparation of my heart for missions and for provision as I continue fundraising for this journey.
Thank you for walking with me, praying for me, and supporting this journey. I am so expectant for all that God is going to do in this new year and beyond.
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