“He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha Koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.” -Mark 5: 41-43

When the prospect of applying to NET Canada first became a reality, I could not help but feel uncertain about the opportunity before me. I wish I could say that I had no reservations and that I trusted completely in the Lord’s will for the next year of my life, but that would be untrue. Yet, despite these hesitancies and doubts that crossed my mind, I continued with the application process eventually leading to my acceptance as a missionary.

As each day of ministry passes and I continue to learn and to experience the goodness of God, I can more clearly see the ways that He has been guiding me along this entire journey. Time and time again, Jesus has taken me by the hand and reminded me of both His character and my chosenness as his daughter. He has called me to rise, to let myself be led, and to accept His invitation to participate in ministry this year.

God has created each of us to do and to experience wonderful things. He is repeatedly asking us to take courage and accept His invitation. Oftentimes, this reality can be difficult to see. Maybe you feel similarly. Maybe you find yourself asking God questions about where you think He may be leading you: “Lord, why have you led me to this city? Why have you placed me in this job? Why have you called me to be a part of this particular community? Why do I have to take these classes? Why did you need me to speak with that person?” It can be a challenge to see the wonder in the situations and circumstances that are hard. It can be a challenge to willingly and eagerly rise to the occasion. Yet, we can see that God desires to take us by the hand, similar to the little girl in the Gospel of Mark, and help us to rise up. To awaken our hearts to His invitation.

If we briefly imagine the scene of this Gospel story, we can picture a large crowd gathered around Jesus, pressing upon him. Still, in the midst of the chaos, this little girl is not lost and forgotten by her Heavenly Father. She is not just a number. She is seen by God, known by God, and loved by God, so much so that he revives her. And not only does Jesus restore her life, but he proceeds to care for her, ordering that she should be fed.

God will not call us to do His will and leave us to flounder and decipher the details out on our own. He will call us, and He will proceed to care for us as we courageously march on. He sees us, he knows us, and he loves us, just as he does this little girl.

Where is the Lord asking you to take courage? What areas of your life does He want to resurrect? How does He want to wake you from slumber? Do you trust that He is leading you?

Remember that He offers to take you by the hand. He is calling you to rise.

Talitha Koum!

-Written by Jacqueline Cole, Whitehorse Team