The past week has been met with many surprises and the Lord has been reminding me even more the beauty and importance of trusting Him in the struggle when I am met with confusion and very overwhelming news. He has reminded me over and over that no matter the struggle He is with me and his faithfulness is just as real in the good and bad circumstances.
With all that said, January 6 was a crazy day for gap c. We had our bags packed and were ready to leave for Guatemala at 4 am. Then, at 11:30 pm we had a squad meeting and got news that one of our squadmates had tested positive for covid so we were going to have to quarantine for 7 days in Gainesville.
My instinct used to be to want to control what I could in situations that left me feeling utterly helpless, but lately God has been showing me the beauty of complete surrender and just falling into my role as a child and patiently following in step with the father in every situation. We can find safety in following in His footsteps rather than pretending we are in control.
During my time at home over the holidays, I would bring my worries to God and a lot of “what ifs” and every time I got overwhelmed by how badly a situation could become God met me with the phrase “and if not he is still good”.
This relates back to a story in daniel 3 which I highly encourage you to read, but basically Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wouldn’t bow down and worship an idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. King Nebuchadnezzar decreed that whoever didn’t bow down and worship this idol would be thrown into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to being thrown into the furnace,
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
The truth that God is good and following Him is worth it no matter the circumstances really resonated from that story and has been a great encouragement here in Gainesville!
Thanks for reading!
