little red shoes

I have these cute, little red shoes. They are my favorite pair of shoes I own. I don't know why because they aren't very special. I think I paid $3 for them at Dirt Cheap. I can wear my dull outfits and put these shoes on and they just pop. The only thing about them is they hurt my feet. They're painful to wear because they scrap the side of my foot leaving scars. But I bear the pain and wear them anyway because I just love them that much. 

Why on earth am I going on and on about a pair of shoes?

I am an analogy freak. That's why.

When I experience pain walking with the Lord, I will continue to put on the armor of God and bear the pain just because I love Him that much. Facing the difficult times is nothing compared to the joy I have in Him! Knowing Him and growing in relationship with Him is the greatest thing I'll ever know. So what hard times? Bring it. He has been through pain seeing His Son on the cross dying my death. Christ died a horrible, tragic, sinner's death. Who was that sinner? That was you and me. Therefore, I can handle abandoning my plans for His even though it may cause pain. I can handle the hard times that are teeny compared to what Christ did for me. He cares and said we'd never be alone. "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). So I will put on my little red shoes and deal with the pain because I love Him that much. 

"Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling." (Psalm 66:9)

When I arrived back to the States from Haiti 4 months ago, I immediately applied for a summer internship with Praying Pelican Missions. I knew I had yearning desire to be back in Haiti and a burden on my heart for missions. I finally have an interview next Tuesday over the phone with PPM. My beautiful best friend, Caroline, applied for the same position and has already had her interview. It would be great if we could do it together but I'm not expecting that. I want to do this but if God sees it fit, He will make it happen. If He doesn't, you know the rest. Please pray for guidance, words, patience, and strength.