trust.

Trust is such an abstract idea.  So often it seems it would be easier if trust were more concrete, but really how often are ideas concrete?  How often does God ask us to do anything by following something concrete, like a formula.  Almost never.  I am a logical thinker, that's why I enjoy math and science.  I operate on definite, observable patterns and formulas.  When I follow a formula, I know what the result will be.

I often try to make my life with God into a formula.  I would rather have Him tell me exactly what is required and what the result will be in the end.  But the problem with living life that way is that you are able to remove God completely.  You no longer need Him to direct your steps because you believe if you are following the formula, you are following Him.  I think my greatest fear is a fear of the unknown.  I question where?  Who?  What?  When?  How?  I ask God for the next 20 steps, but He never gives them to me.  He only gives me one step...the next one...the only one I need, then He asks me to trust Him and wait with Him.

One thing I know to be concrete in this life is God and His promises.  I know He has promised His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me.  He has promised to never leave me or forsake me.  He has promised He is on my side and guiding me every step of the way.  Prov. 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

I continue to learn what it looks like for me to trust God more each day.  Going to church all my life it's really easy to spit out 100 definitions, but to tell you what it looks like played out in my life is a much more difficult task.  What does it look like for you to trust God?  Are you?

unexpected blessings.

God is so good.  I love how generous our Father is to all of us children.  I am so blessed by my church here in Australia.  During DTS, I attended a church family called Nexus.  Over the course of my time there, I was so encouraged by the people, worship and teaching.  The teaching is always so challenging, yet uplifting as well.  There was a middle-age couple who decided to be our parents away from home and took us in for home-cooked meals and provided transport to and from church.  Upon returning, we have been able to re-connect with the couple and meet even more members of the church.

The sermon this morning was on sowing, in regards to Luke 6 where the Bible explains we will reap what we sow.  At the end of the service the pastor encouraged giving and had myself and two of my other friends from YWAM stand.  He explained that we do not get paid for our ministry and encouraged people to give if they felt led.  I was astonished at the generosity of the people.  We had so many people come up after the service and place money in our hands and offer us a warm smile.  It was such an unexpected blessing and only a continuation of your generosity.  Thank you so much for being a part of the journey.  May the Lord bless you as you continue to sow good seeds in others' lives.