Following and trusting God’s leading can be really difficult, as my teammates and I discovered two days ago. We are currently at “GoWeek,” a time of preparation for pre-field support-raising, and until two days ago were so excited to go out to our placement and work in a specific area of the world that we felt called to and were appointed to. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we now need to redirect to other teams in different countries within the organization.
When Israel was led out of Egypt, they went through a myriad of challenges and trials. However, God used their “detours,” so to speak, for His glory. Whenever God would meet them in a visible way, they would build an “ebenezer” -- a pillar of stones -- to mark His faithfulness and their gratitude.
As I write this blog, the lyrics “you are the peace in my troubled sea” are playing in the background. This is exactly what I am feeling and holding onto throughout the uncertainty of the moment. I am standing open-handed, nervous but excited to see where He takes me next. Devastated, but trusting that He knows what He is doing and will use it for His glory. Confused, but holding onto His peace that surpasses understanding. I want this story to be a story of how through waiting and trusting in Him, He was able to work in ways better I could ever have visualized or planned for.
God is faithful. I cannot wait to raise my metaphorical ebenezer to mark my gratitude of how He has provided through this time.
Below is a Psalm that is applicable to both my situation and those of anyone who has nowhere to turn to but the Lord.
Psalm 121: A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.