I seriously laugh when I think about this story. Fun fact, it happened yesterday.
Sunday afternoon meant for a trip to REI to look at pack that I would live out of for 11 months. I was excited because I finally had some free time and who doesn’t love REI?! It’s my heaven!! Everyone was busy doing others things, so I decided to go alone.
BAD IDEA. I found myself starring blankly at a million different backpacks. Uh who knew there was so many different kinds? I obviously was in over my head. I was waiting on the guy to finish helping this younger couple. So to waste time, I called my mom and told her how I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I knew right then and there I should have not gone alone.. As I hung up with my mom I felt the hot steamy tears start to fall..
Yes. I said it. I cried in REI. It happens.
As I am trying to hide my red face, little did I know the young couple had heard everything and could see how much of a mess I was in. They both came over to me and asked if I was okay and if they could help me. I told them about the World Race and what I would be doing. The girl seemed really interested and told me her sister was doing YWAM in Europe and that she had a friend who did the World Race two years ago.
I wasn’t expecting these next words to come out of her mouth.. ( I mean I should have, God always surprises me like this.) She said, “can we pray for you right now?” UM YES please!
I was kind of shocked how God had turned this trip into something totally different than I had expected. I had the opportunity to share what I would be doing with that young couple, the two men who worked there, and as well as another gentlemen who overheard me talking. I get so much joy in telling others about what God is doing in my life and already doing around the world. As I was about to leave REI a friend called me and she knew instantly what I needed. I thought I was over crying but I guessed wrong. We talked for a minute and I told her everything that had happened. She then went on to say, “Just let the tears fall Court.” So I did.. She sat on the other end for a good ten minutes and just let me cry. She started to speak words of Gods truth over me.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear. for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4: 10-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Little did I know how this trip to REI was going to end. It started with excitement, to feeling overwhelmed, to having a peace that surpassed everything. I know that this probably won’t be the first time this happens, and that is totally okay.
So with that being said, always remember that whatever situation you are in, even if it is crying in REI, that God is so much bigger than that. John 16:33 says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome this world.”
God has already won that battle for me and you.
