“Trust in Him at all times, oh people. Pour out your hearts to Him, for He is our refuge.” -Psalm 62:8.
This last year has been filled with a lot of uncomfortable unknowns. While friends were getting real jobs, being accepted to graduate schools, and starting families, I was left with absolutely no answers. If we’re being honest, I felt a lot of anxiety about not knowing where I would be after graduation. It wasn’t until April that I finally saw a glimpse of an answer, and that answer was incredibly far-fetched. In fact, it seemed nearly impossible. The more I thought and prayed about medical mission work in Peru, however, the more I felt called to be there. So I filled out an application, and late-April I was accepted into the program.
When I was accepted, there was no way I would be able to afford the cost of volunteering in a foreign country for three months. I would be spending thousands of dollars to be there, and making nothing. For all the anxiety I had felt over the last year, I felt an indescribable calm about the situation. It was a peace that surpassed all understanding, and it re-affirmed my conviction that this was where God wanted me. I knew that if God wanted me to do this, He would provide.
God provided, provides, and will continue to provide.
By the end of May, I had just enough money to cover the flight and the cost of the program, almost to the dollar. It’s uncanny, really, how close the amount came to what I needed. Despite His perfect provision, I still found myself awake at 3am, worried about the logistics of this trip. Never have I related so well to the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert, grumbling about their situation despite all of God’s provisions for them. After re-reading the story, I found this gem:
“The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much [referring to Manna], some little. And when they measured it, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.” Exodus 16:17-18
Once I realized my parallel to the Israelites, I focused on God’s promise of ‘enough’. He doesn’t promise us riches, perfect health, or every desire of our heart, but He promises enough, just as He did with the Israelites. In fact, in the New Testament, Paul had some sort of unnamed ailment that he struggled with, and you know what God’s response was? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. He didn’t promise to heal him, or make his problems go away, but He promised to be enough.
By June 19th, I had all of my vaccines covered and administered, my passport in hand, and just enough money to cover the cost of living in Trujillo for 12 weeks. Do I have everything I need? Far from it. But I have enough, and I know the Lord will continue to provide. In fact, each and every day I see God’s hand providing, almost as if He’s gently reassuring me that He’s got this.
If you would like to pray for this trip, here are a few things I’m praying for: I’m praying for the people I meet, the relationships I build, and the interactions I have with others. I’m praying for my host family, as well as for the doctors, hospitals, and schools I’ll be working in; I’m praying for wisdom, guidance, and contentedness; and I’m praying that I can empty myself of preconceived notions, expectations, and worldly desires, and fill myself with God’s heart, desire, and peace. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this trip, I really feel encouraged and uplifted by you all!
Well With Kristen Noelle 