What God taught me through Narnia :)

Today I watched the Chronicles of Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. As I was watching it and as it got towards the end, I realized a lot of correlation between it and the Gospel. For instance, this boy, Eustace, he is an only child who happens to be spoiled. He gets a little greedy and takes some gold and gets turned into a dragon. At first I was like, well, he got what was coming to him. Then as the movie progressed, the fact that he was a dragon came into a lot of use. There was a scene where he saved the boat from capsizing because he grabbed onto the stern (with his tail) and pulled the boat. Then there was another scene where he had to fight a sea monster and had an upper hand until some old man through a sword at him and scared him off. Then the next scene that comes up with the boy is when Azlin, (the Lion or "God" character) turns him back into a boy but because he had this certain sword stuck in his side, he was able to fulfill the plan by laying down he last needed sword on the table to take back the kingdom. Now, this is what it got me thinking. We all have bad stuff happen in our lives. We all go through different things that are bad, different seasons that are harder than the rest, but it all seems to be for a greater purpose. As I am in my last week here in the states it really got me thinking even more about my purpose in Latvia and life. Number 1 is ultimately to glorify God. I am to glorify Him with my worship, my time, my everything. My life is for Him. But then I look at the ministry purpose God has for me. I was reminded that everything happens for a greater purpose. Yes, sometimes we fall stupid to our mistakes and temptations, but ulitmately it all works out for His plans, especially when we are obedient. I was reminded about the stuff God has redeemed me from and the love and forgiveness God has placed in my heart. I was reminded that our lives are for a greater purpose than our little world of just me. I was reminded that even when we don't think about it, our choices and our life affects many other people. Another thing I got out of the movie was right after Eustace changes back from a dragon to a boy. Edmond, (one of the main characters) askes Eustace, what was it like when Azlin changed you back? Eustace responded with this statement. "No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it on my own. I needed His help." This is a daily reminder for me and especially with this new journey I am embarking on. I cannot, let me repeat that, I CANNOT do this on my own. No matter how hard I try, I WILL fail! But, it is Christ within me, leading me, guiding me, teaching me, molding me, who will succeed. Sometimes I get in my head, oh I got this. Wrong. Every move I make, every relationship God wants me to build, every opportunity to serve and love His children, I cannot do on my own. I must rely on His strength and His strength alone. I would ask that you join me in prayer for this specific thing. I know I'll need it. Thank you again for being on this incredible and wonderful journey with me! If you are reading this you have probably invested in a part of my life and I am forever grateful for that! I promise to keep you updated and post pictures and videos as times allows. :)