I am unable to count the number of times where I have tried to fix things in my own strength. I used to give an attempt to fix anything and everything in front of me that seemed “broken”.
But God always has been and always will be in control.
That thought comes rather easy to me now, especially after being in a situation where I was so out of control that I had to rely fully on Chr*st.
Alli taking time to pray into what G0d had for us and where we should stay for the night.
We stuffed our seven hefty packs with two of my teammates in a small taxi as the rest of us began the trek to the Asian side of Istanbul. Now, the “trek” wasn’t much more than a ten-minute walk, 15-minute tram ride, 30-minute ferry ride, and closing out with another walk lasting 15-minutes. We were simply being obedient to where the L0rd was leading, which was from the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul.
We knew our time on the Asian side was going to be short but we also had no idea what the H0ly Sp*r*t had planned. When do we ever?
As the rest of us come across our pals, who were sitting on the side of the road with all our packs piled one on top of another, we were excited to get settled into our new hostel.
Then we were hit with the news that our home for the night was closed. Yes, permanently.
Quality team time hanging on the side of the street in Istanbul.
Now, I knew that the World Race was going to bring about many invigorating stories but never one where my team and I would be… homeless.
Something that really boggled my mind was that not one person was stressed or upset at the situation.
So, we set out to find another bed for the night. As we wandered the streets of Istanbul, we kept coming across choices that all seemed out of budget.
Ultimately, we decided to rest on a curb, and on that curb is where G0d met us. Mary briefly mentioned how she felt that the H0ly Sp*r*t was leading us to stay with people. Not even five minutes later did an American gentleman and his girlfriend walk past.
It was a brief conversation. He immediately knew that we were Americans and quickly questioned what we were up to. After telling him our situation he parted us with a “good luck” and a chuckle of amusement.
Many people approached, took pictures and videos, and sat with us while we worshipped our Father on the side of the street.
Mary mentioned once again how she felt we would be staying with strangers and so we began praying. Prayers for turning this couple around were promptly said and we gave J*sus complete control.
Approximately ten minutes had elapsed when our American friend started to walk back by when he stopped and shared this: “This isn’t normal for me and I don’t want this to be weird, but we have an Airbnb that has been paid for. We are actually leaving later this evening if you all want to stay tonight. It’s free.”
We were able to spend the rest of the late afternoon with the couple while sharing the love of Chr*st and praying for healing. What a divine appointment that the H0ly Sp*r*t laid before us.
Our G0d is the One who richly provides.
Here we stand praying healing over the nice gentleman who offered us his Airbnb.
J*sus knew what that couple needed, and He knew we needed a place to stay.
I was so fully reliant on G0d that I wasn’t worried one bit and I didn’t have the “need” to fix the situation. In what seemed like a broken situation, there was nothing to fix. I did not wake up that day expecting to be homeless, but I definitely didn’t wake up that morning expecting to experience G0d like that.
I never knew I would ever have this much faith. What is it that you need to give over to J*sus to build more faith in Him?
Praise the Father in the midst of the unknown for He knows.
Go your way; listen carefully: I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace [that is a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God] to this house.’
Whenever you go into a city and they welcome you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick [authenticating your message], and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Luke 10:3, 5, 8-9
with all my love,
PJ
Wow! This is so beautiful. God will always provide. So proud of you!
Awesome! You are truly relying on the one who leads and provides. Blessings to you and all the girls.
My thoughts and prayers are with you! I am so proud of you and love you! Always remember that.
Dang, this story never gets old and seeing it with these beautiful photos makes all the difference! Thank you for always stewarding your gift of creativity so well! We are all so blessed by it!