The oldest is 73 and the youngest is 29. We’re introverted and extroverted. We’re married, single, and divorced. From the Midwest and from the West Coast. You couldn’t write a better script. And yet that’s often where God does His finest work.
Trust is an issue for lots of people. The postal service doesn’t deliver as promised. The cellular store doesn’t fully disclose what’s in the fine print. I can’t even begin to fathom how AI is messing with our minds. Our friends hurt us. Spouses betray us. Churches forget us. On and on. And then there’s God.
Even many people who “know” God don’t fully trust Him. We superimpose our thoughts, feelings, and ideas about people onto God. That’s our basis for comparison. If we can’t see God, how in the world are we supposed to trust Him? If we can’t hear God, how are we supposed to know what He’s doing?
This past weekend marked 25 years since I went on my original Emmaus Walk. It’s difficult to comprehend how much time has passed. My brother had died in a freak accident the weekend before, so I was “ripe for the picking”. I had no way of anticipating all that God had in store for me. It was one tiny “wink” at a time. From walking in the doors and seeing a lifelong family friend to being named “The Big Jerk” (IYKYK), I encountered God and His trustworthiness countless times.
Returning to that sacred ground is always bittersweet. This trip was no exception. I had the privilege of leading a table of ladies through the weekend. It usually begins with lots of questions and even an occasional, “I’m not really sure why I’m here”. But by Sunday evening, many of the questions are answered, and true sisterhood has been discovered.
As the stories unfold and wounded hearts are exposed, we find that our similarities outweigh our differences. What initially seemed like a barrier was likely the very instrument that God planned to use to begin healing us. After all these years, I’m still blown away every time He displays His faithfulness, trustworthiness, and fulfillment of the covenant promise. And yet, somehow we continue to doubt. We trust Him with our salvation, but we don’t trust Him with our anger, fear, loss, etc. What craziness!
Maybe that’s where you are. You’re doubting His goodness. You’re not sold on His steadfast love (look up the definition). Well, I’ve got news for you. He knows what He’s doing! You CAN trust Him. He knows what He’s doing. You CAN lean on Him. He knows what He’s doing. Period. These ladies discovered that this past weekend. What about you?
Isaiah 46:10 ~ Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’
Was an honor being able to serve our Lord beside you at the walk!!! God is so powerful! Seeing Him move like he did, was a blessing for me!