I love how God uses the events and daily activities of our lives to teach us. Our trips to Africa have been great opportunities for learning many things from The Teacher.
Our most recent trip was no exception. Daily, the plans we thought that were in place for the day changed. We were very much at the mercy of others – they were in control, not us, so we needed to just be “get along girls” and go with the flow. We prayed daily and earnestly, reminding ourselves of the annual theme Prayer-No Worries!
This was fresh in our minds following conference. And then we simply trusted Him to work all things together for good. We did not worry and we did not try to manipulate the events or people around us. It was so freeing to totally depend on God – to trust in Him and not ourselves. And He blessed us each day as we lived in obedience.
Now that we’ve returned, it’s a bit different. Honestly, I find it more challenging to give the cares of this world – the things that bind us – totally to God. I’m more inclined to hold on to a small piece of something and try to make something happen myself – on my own strength. I have to work much harder at giving it all to Him.
When I asked God why that might be, He was quick with an answer. In Africa, we have nothing, we own nothing, and we control nothing. So it is essential for us to depend on God. And since we know it is essential, it is easy. But here in North America, we have access to so much stuff- it’s right there at our fingertips. With a key stroke, phone call, or signed check, we can make a lot of things happen! And with that kind of access, we are tempted to make our wishes, our plans happen without really even consulting God. I think it takes more effort to live the life of Prayer-No Worries! in North America. But I know the rewards are equally rich – the blessings pour forth when we simply give it all to God – when we fully trust Him and allow Him to sit on the throne of our lives.
So, what am I gonna do…? Work at it! I’ve tasted the sweet life and want it to continue no matter where I am!
