"I am with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9

God spoke to the deepest part of my heart yesterday, whispering that He is with me no matter where I go.  The drive to Queenstown began with a divine appointment that only God could have lined up.  

As I approached Kingston an hour south, a woman was hitchhiking on the side of the road. I passed her but I knew Holy Spirit was telling me to go back to her. I wrestled for a minute, telling God this was my time with Him and I didn't want any distractions. He reminded me that this was our journey together and that I can trust Him and let Him unravel my plans, knowing He is always loving and good to me. So I turned back and spoke with her; she needed a ride to Queenstown which is where I was headed, so I invited her in, and that's when God really showed up. 

You see, this woman was praying to God to give her a ride, she had to meet her husband in town with some papers he needed and they only had one car between the two of them. When she asked me what I do, and I told her I'm a missionary, and then I mentioned Ywam, she got really excited and proceeded to tell me how connected she is with Ywam and how she is from Brazil and very connected with the Brazilian culture in Queenstown which is quite large unbeknownst to me. She told me how she was praying for a ride; I told her how The Lord quickened me to give her a ride. We shared stories the entire ride, stopping on the scenic lookouts to take pictures. She asked me if I knew Lara, another missionary. This just about floored me! I'm going to be staying at her house, I replied, aghast, and more in love with God with each syllable.  It turns out she and her husband helped Lara with home projects and know her well. After her errand in town, Paula came for tea and we talked and prayed for hours. Which was awesome because Lara was away for the afternoon and The Lord knew I could use a friend, and I also was thankful for confirmation on my faith journey to Queenstown that He was still in control of everything. I've come here for direction, clarity, a word from God on my future and an open heaven to seek His face. He has already met me in my need, such a faithful God He is!

Then, walking around the empty house later in the evening, after Paula left, (but we will connect again soon!) I felt the loneliness and memories flooding me of when I was here with my outreach team three months ago. I could picture each person in the living room lounging, reading, laughing, and I began to get a little sad. And Daddy God put His arms around me, as tears were coming down my cheeks, and he spoke to me, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I Am with you wherever you go." I felt His warm embrace, I felt Him melt away my tears, I felt His gentle touch holding me, rocking me, comforting me. And I fell into His arms.

A couple of other words He spoke to my soul were equally deep, loving, and comforting. In Amos 3:3 He reminded me, "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" And in Psalms 61 and 94 which He told me to read, having no idea what He wanted to say to me. It was soon quite clear- a very clear reminder that He hears my cry from the ends of the earth (61:2) and that He is my strong tower and refuge against the foe! The Lord gives a king's heritage to those who fear His name. He brings consolation and joy to my soul when anxiety is great within me. His love keeps my foot from slipping (94:18). 

I pray that you are encouraged and blessed by this testimony. Blessed is the man who The Lord teaches; He grants them relief from days of trouble! Selah! (94:12-13)