Scandalous Love: Moving to a New Country.

God loves us scandalously. Yes, some of you may think that word is inappropriate when talking about God. But, it's true. Just over a month ago, I moved across the world to a new country. Leaving comfort, a life I thought I knew so well, friends and family was difficult. I packed my luggage and arrived in Scotland in the middle of winter. I thought I was prepared, but nothing could prepare me for the spiritual awakening I'd have in this place.The days before my program started were morbidly grey. I was renting a room in a flat full of strangers, none who spoke English or showed their faces, the weather was colder than I'd ever experienced, and it was dark at half past 2. I knew absolutely no one, and I relied a lot on the Word to pull me through.Fast-forward a week, and I'm beginning classes, meeting new people, and going out a lot. But in the midst of the partying and socializing, a hole was growing inside of me. Sauntering off home in the wee hours of the day, I felt empty. Utterly empty. I had replaced my God with idols of fanfare and immediacy. Though I felt the loneliness these shallow friendships and things were giving me, I still didn't take action. It wasn't until I got plugged into a church, began devoting daily time to the Lord, and changed my bad habits did I start seeing the changes.What was a terrible Friday for me, turned into a beautiful Saturday. And Sunday. And Monday. And now it's Wednesday. I asked God to take away my loneliness, my sadness, and my shallow friendships and he did. Of course, I know that there will be sad days coming. We're only human. But, I can rest in the comfort that the Prince of Peace provides in knowing that I need not worry about the little (or big) things around me. God chased me. Even in my darkness, even when I purposefully ignored him. He chased me, and I am his.God loves us. He wants his children to be near him always, and it hurts him when we choose to fall away. Right now, there are still things I need to fix in my life. I need to stop placing my priorities in a relationship or in a career, but entrust them fully to God first. A friend of mine recently made a beautiful remark during one of our prayer sessions. She asked that God take hold of her hands, her words, her eyes, and her feet for His glory. We can all dedicate ourselves to serving God's purpose wherever we are in life and with whatever means we have.Psalm 127 talks about laborers building a house. Without God building the house, the laborers work in vain. Just as the laborers, I dedicate my life, every aspect of it, to the building God's purpose. So yes, God loves us scandalously. He wants to help us grow in our knowledge of Him and our love for others. This reassurance gives me the light and encouragement I need to make the most of my time by the North Sea. I'm looking forward to living it for His glory and sharing with you my story along the way.words and photo by Anashe BartonSaveSaveSaveSave