Beauty in the Hardship pt. 1

Written by Regan — Serving in Thailand

There is so much I could say about this experience that I am not sure where to even begin. To say the least, the Lord completely broke my heart in the most beautiful way. Overall, the dominant theme of this internship centered on the Lord’s provision. This idea kept resurfacing during my time in Thailand and was always such a strong reminder through every fear and doubt that I had. This theme is taken from the passage of scripture in Matthew 6 about how the Lord provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. If he provides for even these, will he not much more do the very same thing for you? While I repeatedly learned this idea, it all boiled down to this:

The Lord will always provide, even if it does not look how I originally thought or imagined it would. 

Learning to trust in the Lord’s provision despite my constant worries about the unknown was a common theme throughout all my main takeaways this summer. One of my first main takeaways was the reality of shifts in team dynamics that I had not foreseen. During this transition, I learned that there is so much beauty in hardship because it allows you to draw closer to the Lord as you wrestle through the hard questions you have about your current circumstances. 

Another main takeaway I had during my time in Chiang Mai was the realization that people are able to impact your life in incredible ways in an incredibly short amount of time. In addition to this, I learned that goodbyes are not only extremely difficult, but also a common thing for missionaries. Despite the reality of seasonal friendships, the intentionality and love for people is always worth it, no matter the length of proximity with someone. 

Another huge takeaway from this journey was a stirring in my heart for victims of sex-trafficking and the children in various orphanages and youth homes. Working alongside young girls who have been through things we cannot even begin to imagine allowed me to recognize the passion I have for these girls. It created an opportunity to look into pursuing a ministry that targets the overlooked, abused, and misunderstood children of God.

Lastly, I felt an overall reaffirmation call to missions on my life. In all honesty, realizing this affirmation was exciting, but also extremely scary, as I really struggle with sometimes doubting that the Lord will provide where he calls. 

Through all of this, the Lord was so kind to continue to remind me that the same God who has shown up for me in past seasons will be faithful to show up in the ones to come and provide everything I need to do his will!

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:26-33

Thank you all for your constant support, prayers, and encouragement through this beautiful journey. I could not have done this without you!

You are a blessing to me!