I remember early last semester being really anxious about studying abroad. I knew absolutely no one going. My sister, Meg, also applied to a study abroad program where she would student teach abroad. She also wasn’t sure if she would be going alone.
One morning I was praying and telling God that I was worried about not having friends go with Meg and me on our trips. Then, I opened my book, “Here and Now” by Henri Nouwen to the place where I left off. This is an excerpt of what it read:
“Traveling is seldom good for spiritual life. Especially traveling alone. Airplanes, airports, buses, and bus terminals, trains, and railroad stations filled with people moving here and there, cluttered with magazines, books, and useless objects – it’s all too much…and distracting to keep our hearts and minds focused on God…
Jesus doesn’t want us to travel alone. He sends us out two by two saying, ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name I am in their midst’ (Matthew 18.20). Traveling together radically shifted the significance of my trips. Instead of lecture trips, they became missions, instead of situations full of temptation they became spiritual adventures, instead of times of loneliness they became times of opportunities of community.”
How cool is God to have allowed me to read this at that exact time?! My heart felt peace and I knew God was in control and would provide Meg and me with wonderful travel friends.
A week later I was at Bible study and mentioned that I would be studying abroad next semester. Instantly, my friend Lindsey told me her good friend would be doing the exact same trip! I was thrilled! God was answering my prayer!
Soon I met Mary Hester. We are both really happy we have met prior to the trip and are excited to embark on our journey.
Lesson Learned: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.6-7
God is in control. He is good and He provides.
Oh, and as for Meg, God wanted her to go “Two by Two,” too…Click here and read that story in her blog…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Beautiful post ~ loved it!!! So well written and glorifying to God. How BIG is God!!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete"A cord of three strands is not easily broken."
(You, Mary Hester, and the Lord)
Bless their trip, Lord Jesus, with health, safety, fun, laughter, a growing friendship, and oh yeah....a great educational experience. Thank You and praise You that You are right there with them, our great God and also their heavenly Father who knows the numbers of hairs on their heads always. May they learn all You want them to learn, and may they grow in the wisdom, knowledge and faith of their victorious Savior as they embark and during this unique adventure. Just as the lights of the cities on the hills of the gorgeous Italian countryside cannot be hidden, may it be so for Sara Beth and Mary Hester. May Your grace and favor be upon them every mile, every minute. Thank You and praise You. In Your awesome name I pray. AMEN and AMEN
Sara Beth! That was awesome! So encouraging too. God is so good to us!!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you in a few days!