story time…

After a lot of hiccups, our squad is no longer going to South Africa due to the country shutting down their borders because of Covid and a whole lot of other things as well. Please be praying for South Africa and all the beautiful people who live there. Our squad is finally all back together after having many people stuck in quarantine. God closed the door on South Africa but He opened the door for ROMANIA!!! 

After discovering we were no longer traveling to South Africa, I will admit I was really sad.. There was a group of people in the New Jersey Airport myself included, who were footsteps away from boarding the plane to South Africa. A man told all of us so nicely we needed to get another Covid test the next day in order to fly to South Africa. Apparently the negative test we had missed the 72 hour window. We took a van back to the hotel, got our rooms and crashed for the night. The next day, we checked out of the hotel and headed back to the airport. All 14 of us took another covid test. We sat around for a long period of time waiting for everyone’s results. My friend Krista and I decided to walk to Starbucks in the airport to get a coffee. A lovely woman was in line ordering before us. She went to the pick up line and as she was waiting for her drink, Krista orders. We both look down and see European money on the ground. I picked it up and ran after the woman who was in front of us. I reached her just in time before she stepped into the elevator. I handed her the money and the look in her eyes was filled with happiness. She smiled ear to ear thanking me for her money she had dropped. When we received the video of the great news of traveling to Romania, I was reminded of the woman in the airport and how God gave us a sign that we were going to Europe. I have goosebumps writing this!! He is so faithful. A teammate ended up testing positive so our short layover in New Jersey turn into a much longer one instead hahah but all is good in the glory of God! We are officially in Romania!!! feeling happy and alive:) 

While I was in quarantine, I was reflecting on everything that had happen. I just felt an overflow of frustrations on why God didn’t want us to go to South Africa. I realized I needed to leave all the frustrations that was being built up along with this feeling of numbness and to lay it down at the Fathers feet. When times feel difficult, it is even more important to trust God. God’s unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain. Life can be going along smoothly for a season then all of a sudden the things you felt secure feel shaky. God always keeps His promises. I know He loves me and has good in store for me. Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the world and about us is true.  

For the past couple of days I have been gazing and holding on to this truth. A truth of trusting God is more than a feeling; it’s a choice to have faith in what He says even when your feelings or circumstances would have you believe something different. God, on the other hand, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of our trust. I have found that I have been distracting myself and avoiding everything that has happen thus far because it’s so much to tackle all together. From seeing friends go home, to God shutting the door to Africa, to hearing good news turn into sad news. It’s a lot to process and take in. Trusting God is living a life of belief in and obedience to God even when it’s difficult. Because God loves me, I can show my trust in Him by talking about all my feelings and frustrations with Him — the good and hard — through prayer. He is not disappointed or frustrated by my struggles, doubts or pain. I believe He cares about me, and I can trust Him with those things. I also know I won’t do this perfectly, but God is kind and patient with me while I learn to trust Him more.

Jesus Himself felt overwhelmed by what was before Him, and He went straight to His Father. He pays attention. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to us. Knowing that God is for us will strengthen our trust in Him during times of hardship and the unknown. He knows we need somewhere to go when we feel unsure. That place is His Word. It is unchanging and completely trustworthy. Scripture reminds me He is trustworthy whatever my circumstances may be and when life throws me a curveball. The God I serve knows only how to triumph.  

Difficult times may feel like they last forever, but they are just temporary. God is present in the bad times as well as the good. He is always faithful. God’s grace is in all things. I often write down things I am thankful for to God. In the moments when everything appears to be falling apart, it can be hard to see how the Good Father is at work, but know His mercy is consistent. What feels dark and heavy God is always present. He never leaves us. He will help me wait with endurance. Waiting on the Lord reminds me that I am not in control. Thank goodness! He is bigger than any battle that comes my way. He will sustain me and grow my faith in the waiting. I have eyes only for you Lord!! 

 much love 🙂 Macy