Control? Let go of it...

So, I've been going through the Clemson Foothills Christmas break QT packet. Well, it's amazing to say the least. Today I came across my dear friend, Jessica Kirkus's quiet time/letter. Let me start by saying how much I miss her! She is forever (it seems like) away in Muenchen, Deutschland. Anyway, so the scripture that she shared was Isaiah 66:2 which reads:
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
I was like, "Woah! I need to read this whole chapter." So, I did. Then I came across v. 13. Oh man, did it bring comfort to my soul. That's really why I'm writing today. I can't keep my mouth shut when I read stuff like this.
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
I started to think about all the ways that my mother has comforted me throughout my life. She has always known just what to do when I get sad or lonely. She knows how to dry my tears. My mother knows just how to deal with my bouts with anger and my temper tantrums. My mother has dealt with me patiently my whole life.  She has also encouraged me to follow my dreams and to jump out on faith. She has taught me to never lose hope and that when God has a calling for me, he won't give up on me. Then I looked at this verse again. Through God's word he comforts me in my sadness and hard times. He shows me just how to deal with my anger and bitterness. Through prayer, God has told me to follow my dreams. He has brought me to living my dream right now. Amazing to look back on these kinds of things, isn't it?

So, I entitled this blog "Control? Let go of it..." for a reason. I wanted to share all the things God has blessed me with over the passed week-ish. I have officially been in Wilmington for a week. Well, almost a week. I didn't arrive here until 8:45ish last Saturday night. Actually, I hadn't even left Anderson by this time a week ago. Crazy, right? Anyway, So I've been here for almost a week. First blessing once I let go of control: God brought me here to live my childhood dream of living on the coast of North Carolina. From there, I needed a job. So, there was a prayer team -- and when I say prayer team, I really mean it. I've never been a part of something so huge since joining the Kingdom back in April, 2010. There was the Wilmington crew that was praying -- those here and those trying to come here; there was my Clemson family praying for me out here; and there was my family praying for me out here. Well, by coming here and not worrying about a job or having one before I came, God really blessed me. I applied to countless places doing really everything: education, retail, vet stuff, aquarium temp positions, etc. I prayed a LOT this week and I really tried to let God have control of the situation and let God do his work with it. Well, the prayer was that I would have a job by the end of the week, which would be today, technically. So, Monday-Wednesday I filled out applications like CRAZY. Surprisingly quite a few places were hiring. I placed my resume in everywhere that I could think of. Well, I prayed on Wednesday morning to hear something back from these places either Wednesday or Thursday. Wednesday passed with nothing and Thursday came. Then Thursday morning around 11am I began to look a little glum and get a little down on myself. My roommate witnessed this and sent out a couple of text messages about my prayer to be called back and asked that they pray the same. No sooner had she sent those messages did I get a call back from the gift shop at the aquarium. Super awesome, right? So, Katie and I prayed and while we were praying I got ANOTHER call! I went in for an interview yesterday morning at 9:30am. The interview went great, and I was told that I would hear something back by the end of the day which was 5p. To be honest, I really didn't want to wait that long, but hey, God has control. Well, yesterday afternoon I got a call around... say 2? maybe? I really can't remember. I GOT THE JOB! Prayer is something special. Pair up prayer and letting go of control and that is one secret recipe for God to make miracles. In one week's time I moved to Wilmington, found a job, and am now focused on helping the ministry grow in my time here. Thank you to those who prayed for me and are continuing to pray for Wilmington. If you don't think your prayers worked, think again. God is listening.

On a side note, congratulations to one of my dear friends, Meredith, and her fiancee, Justin. I am so excited for the two of you. You really set an example of dating couples who put God at the center. I wish you all the best and can't wait for your wedding! AH! Remember me when you're doing invitations and such :].

Love,

Elizabeth.