Living Called

It's hard to believe I've already been in the Netherlands for an entire month.

One of the most common questions I've been asked this past month besides "where do you come from" is, "what brought you to Amsterdam?"

That's a loaded question.

What did bring me to Amsterdam?

My common, quick response is that, "God called me here."

I'm here now. So I was called, and I came. Now what?

I know from past transition periods (I've had about three big moves in the last three years alone), that it's important to not look at the upcoming chapter of life as a destination. When we look at what's next as some sort of "ultimate goal" or even "promised land," we tend to subconsciously (or even consciously) put huge expectations on it hoping it will bring fulfillment.

The Lord warned me not to do that with Amsterdam. Because I did that with both Thailand and college and had really rough transitions full of disappointment and confusion.

So my question for God these past few weeks is, "God if you did actually call me to Amsterdam, and I'm here, what am I called to now?"

God simply and sweetly responded, "My Heart."

"Hanna, I am forever and always calling you back to My Heart. Despite geographical location, age or circumstance, I am always calling you to My Heart and into Intimacy because that has always been your ultimate purpose and calling on your life."

His Heart is my home.

No matter where that is. No matter who that's with. God's heart is my home. It's where I can find comfort, it's where I can find love. It's where I can find acceptance and purpose.

...does it also happen to be a crazy coincidence that the big sign on top of one of YWAM Amsterdam's building is the Dutch phrase, "God roept u" or "God calls you"?

I love it here in Amsterdam. I am surrounded by so much love, acceptance and encouragement here. I've been apart of this community for hardly four weeks and I already feel like I've known them for years.

I know people genuinely care for my heart and my well-being. Even the people I minister to on the streets and behind the Red Light windows care for my heart, which is ironic because I thought I was just supposed to be giving to them all of the time...

When we give Him our all, or even when we don't, HE ALWAYS GIVES US HIS ALL.

He already did 2000 years ago.

What a sweet reminder as we're in a season of focusing on the gift of the cross but even more importantly the victory over the grave.

His Love gives us love, which we can give to others and receive back from Him and others.

It's a beautiful cycle and I'm amazed on how much I've experienced it here in Amsterdam on so many levels.

From hugs after spending an hour talking about family, love and God with a prostitute or even a coworker. My ideas of what internal and external ministry is being shaken from the roots.

I'm so thankful. I'm so thankful to be a Called One.

I'm so thankful for His gift of life. I'm so thankful for His gift of love that I can give to others and receive back in the most unexpected ways.

I'm thankful that even when things are hard--when encouragement seems scarce and provision almost obsolete--He is still good and is still calling me to His Heart.

Live Called today, friend.



"The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out...and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice...
I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...
I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me."

-John 10:3-4;11;14 (ESV, emphasis added)


Jesus, your calling voice inspires me to follow you. The one and only Good Shepherd who graces me with life and love. Thank you for always calling me back to you.

Love,
Hanna



Again, the above pictures are just quick shots from my Iphone. I promise I will put up some higher-quality DSLR ones soon ;)