Seeking His trust in the small things
Serving as a volunteer isn’t always easy, but you won’t regret relying on God. | PC: Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen Facebook
Today, I really just want to affirm God.
Many of you who know me well know that if there were a degree in worrying, I'd already have my doctorate. In fact the most commonly quoted verse to me from my friends is Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about it self. Sufficient is the day for it's own trouble."
Throughout my time here in Austria as a student missionary, I have seen how God works with me to trust Him more and worry less. I would like to share one of my experiences with you:
At the end of July I learned I needed to update my license. Just a slight problem–I’d be in Austria when it would expire.
Praying that God would bring a solution, an informational DMV packet landed into my lap, informing me of how to renew my license in Austria–just a few precious days before my flight. Occupied with becoming an international volunteer, weeks quickly turned into months. Then, I suddenly remembered I still needed to schedule an eye appointment. God not only provided me an option in a short amount of time, but also lowered the cost so the visit to the eye doctor was affordable. I flooded with relief. “Thank you God for providing what I needed.”
Just when I thought I could relax, things became more complicated. A letter arrived, informing me that one of the examinations on my eyes hadn’t captured enough details. Abruptly, rising irritation replaced my joy. “God really? I already suffered a blow to my limited budget.”
Remembering He took care of me the first time, and feeling ashamed for my outburst, I bowed my head to pray. After re-sending the information, I felt a reassurance wash over me, all would turn out alright.
Months later, I found myself going to the morning worship and plopping down onto the wooden bench as the speaker was making his way to the pulpit. I listened attentively as he started talking about the experience of Peter walking on the water to Jesus (Matthew 19:22-36). Granted, I’m sure many of us hear this story often, but this time it caught my attention. As the story unfolded, my experience in Bogenhofen (Austria) flashed before my eyes and things started making sense. Clarity regarding my life and future here was becoming a recurring topic in my prayers.
Hearing the speaker say, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?” triggered a thought in my mind. How often do I scream at God to help me because I feel like I’m sinking in my life’s uncertainties, though He has already given me the strength and encouragement to continue? “Daddy,” the speaker now mimicked his son’s innocent voice and my attention whipped back to his story, “if you were with the disciples would you have screamed or would you also joined Peter trying to walk on the water to Jesus?”
The question resonated: “In my own life experiences, do I really make the effort to trust Jesus and to continue trusting Him through both comfortable and uncomfortable situations?” This is my purpose for being here at Bogenhofen–learning to fully trust God.
It wasn’t just irony that a few hours later the letter containing my license was in my hands. Though the driver’s license was only a small parable in my life, the significance of the experience has lasting impressions.
Thank you for reading my story. I’m requesting that you please keep me in your prayers, specifically asking that God will provide more clarity regarding His will for me and that I continue learning to fully trust Him through the circumstances He places me in. Thanks again, Sable Kessler, Psalms 19:14.
Sable Kessler is an international volunteer serving in Austria.