Purpose and suffering

On this path we call life, many times there are mountains that we have to climb. Often it feels like these mountains are too big to conquer. Most of us want people to see us in a certain way. I wanted people to look at me and see someone that is consistent and able to take on any challenge. It is easy to act like I can take on any challenge when things are going well. The problem is that, in the past 2 months, some mountains have suddenly appeared and planted itself right in front of me. Leadership from home told us that our group of 21 people needed to be split in two and I have to lead one of the teams. After we divided into our new team and travelled to Penang, we immediately brainstormed and prayed about a vision for the Outward bounders and encouraged each other to put down their puzzle piece to make us an effective vessel for sharing the gospel. 

We were starting to gain momentum, when one of our team members had to be sent back to headquarters for checkups. Our team of 11 was down to 10. We travelled with buses and trains all the way to the North of Thailand to an amazing ministry point where we could encourage and teach Bible school students. From there we took a long journey to Cambodia. On the way here, God warned me that another mountain was going to station itself in our way. 

My brother lost his passport and had to go back to Bangkok on his own, while we travelled on further into Cambodia. The 9 soldiers that are left, arrived safely in Kep. Another blow struck when one of our team members had to be rushed to the hospital for one night. 

What I am realising is:

Sometimes I am not strong enough. Sometimes it does get too much to handle on my own. But isn't that the point!? 

Did He say it was going to be easy?

In 2 Corinthians 4 :16-18 Paul writes:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.