Trust

Trust.

It's the one word that has invaded my thoughts, my readings, my mind over the past month.

When I ask God something, I get one word - trust.

When I tell him my desires, I get one word - trust.

When I'm afraid, I get one word - trust.

So, trust I will. Do I get it? No. Do I need to? No.

I've gone through some Missions Training Devotions over the past couple of weeks in preparation for Swaziland and am getting more and more excited for what God has in store for us during our brief stay in this amazing country. I already feel so connected with the team that I will be going with (who I haven't even met yet) and already feel loved by the Swazi people.

Are there many things I could worry about before I head out on this trip? Absolutely! I could worry about missing flights, diseases, kidnappings, muggings, shark bites (yes, the shark cage diving is booked!), getting lost, losing money.....but am I worried? No. Why? Trust.

Psalm 91 says "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. ”

How dare I worry with a promise like that. Does it mean it'll all be flawless with no hiccups? No. "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world" John 16:33

But....trust. God loves us. He knows the desires of our heart. And he promises to never leave us or forsake us. He's the best travel companion.

So now, as I head out in less than 24 hours, I will trust.

Thank you for joining on this adventure of a lifetime with me.

Synonym for "Faithfulness": God

" What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all!" Romans 3:3-4 He's gone and done it again! God surpasses my dreams and expectations. This spring I was recommended for a continuing contract with the Public School district I work for. This was encouraging, but didn't really tell me where I would be or what I would be teaching for the fall. Nonetheless, I trusted completely in God (as I have learned from so many past experiences) and knew he was capable of blowing my mind. Going into a summer of traveling (surprise surprise) I was hoping I would have an idea of what I was teaching by the end of June so that I could mull it over in my head over the summer - especially if it was something I wasn't too keen on. As the days and weeks of June spun by, and I heard nothing from downtown, I wasn't discouraged, but was still hoping that I might....just might....hear something before the end of the year. I had been told on multiple occasions from a variety of sources that there was not a very good chance that I would be back at the same school I'd been at for two years. I came to terms with this and was excited to see what other opportunities were out there - I didn't want to have a poor attitude with wherever I was sent. Well, with God being never late, but rarely early, on June 27 (two days before school was finished) I was offered a part-time continuing contract at my current school!!! I didn't think that was even a possibility! I have worked part-time the last two years (~0.8) and have loved it as I get a few more preps throughout the week and the loss in pay isn't too bad for not having to work manically. I will be teaching fewer courses than previous years (another bonus) and am obviously very familiar with the admin, staff and students of my school. I feel very blessed to have this job! No more worries, and a completely stress-free summer of wondering where I'll be come fall - praise God!

As I didn't realize this would even been an option, and preparing myself to have to go to another school, I have since realized how glad I am I don't have to move schools! I don't have to learn everyone's names, or the routines, or the school-specific rules. I am truly blessed. And on that note, I can now focus more completely on my upcoming trip to Africa! Only 15 days away (wow!). All large purchases, flights, accommodations, etc have been bought. Schedule is primarily created and now I just need to pack! With not having to focus on school anymore and having the majority of the South African stuff planned, I've been able to sit and think a little more about my mission in Swaziland (the main reason I am doing this entire trip). I want God to be able to use our team. I hope that we are all willing and open to do whatever God asks us to do and to go wherever he asks us to go. I hope that we are prepared so that we are as efficiently useful to him as possible when in Swaziland. This country breaks my heart and I haven't even been there yet - the life expectancy is 32 years old! THIRTY-TWO! That means I would be quite the elder there. Thirty-two.....

Pray for our team - that we will take the time needed now to prepare ourselves for what we'll see, what we're asked to do, and where we're asked to go. Pray for this land - that God will rejuvenate it, and that he can use this land to show the world his glory!