Practicing Trust

Before the MBCC teams get here, I would like to write a bit more about what God has taught me during this first month here. I think a major theme has been trusting Him. Not only has that been shown through the literal moments of great fear where I had to trust Him (i.e. the ropes courses and the minaret), but many aspects of life here have forced me to look at trusting God in a new way.

Reading the biography of Darlene Deibler Rose really changed my perspective. I'm so glad I read this book at the beginning of my time here, because I was challenged to approach God in a new way. I've always processed things with the Lord, particularly the things in life that really impact me or make me think. But Darlene's story caused me to pray in a different way. In the hymn "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," it says, "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." Well, I've started to view things this way. It is difficult, because I don't always think to pray about everything, but I'm learning to go to Him with those foolish emotions, the little happinesses, the greater struggles, the miscommunications, etc. And it hasn't completely changed me, but it is deepening my relationship. God is trustworthy, and He loves me, and He doesn't find my many conversations with Him boring or annoying or meaningless. As much as I am learning to share more with Him, I am learning to listen to Him and to expect great things from Him.

This next story is one of countless others I could tell. It may seem unbelievable or silly or weird, but I want to share it anyway. The other morning, I woke up before 5. For some reason, the birds were chirping extremely loudly. In fact, it sounded like an army of birds singing against the other army of birds. I was lying in my bed, covering my ears with my pillow, and I prayed, "Lord, please make them stop!" Sure enough, a minute later, I couldn't hear a single sound coming from outside. Now you may be thinking, "Sara Beth, do you really think that God stopped the birds from chirping so you could go back to sleep?" And I have to answer, "Yes, I do." Whether the birds stopped or God allowed me not to hear them anymore, I truly believe that was His provision for me. I know that God answers prayer, whether it is the way we want or expect or in some way different. I have seen Him answer prayer many times before in many different ways. But I'm learning to trust Him with those small things, like birds keeping me awake, and watching to see how He provides. Truly, I have countless stories of things like that happening. Some may say it is coincidence, some may find ways to argue around my thinking (heck, even as I type this and think of some of these stories, I am arguing with myself!). But I do believe that God provides. I believe He loves to give to His beloved children. And I believe that He honors our faith.

So all this to say, I am learning to trust God in a new way, with many new things. I'm nowhere near good at it yet, but I'm practicing, and I know He will keep guiding me.