It was a travel day. More than that, it was a day of uncertainty.
Buddy, John and I were leaving the familiarity of Hong Kong by heading north to the unfamiliarity of mainland China.
My anxiety centered on the fact the translator I had befriended through Skype three months prior would not be joining us in Wenzhou. And to make matters worse he did not know who would be his replacement. He told me not to fret, however, but to trust him.
Right! Who is he kidding? I don’t even know who he is.
I read and studied my Bible. I prayed. I meditated on the Scripture. The Lord ministered to me.
He used Psalm 16:11 to help me. He reminded me, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures evermore.”
The floodgates opened. A river of peace flooded my soul. I meditated. I waited. I rejoiced in knowing that everything I needed was available through my Father.
I concluded my morning devotions with a long run. There is nothing better than running and praying.
That is when the Lord spoke to me again. Yet this time He used a megaphone. He said to my heart, “Ryan, you can trust ME today.”
I knew that. I have known that. But for some reason, those words meant something more that day. This was more than words. This was a promise from the Lord’s word.
We can trust the Lord. We can trust Him every day. We can trust Him at all times. There is never a time we dare not trust the Lord. His word teaches us over and over again to trust in Him with all of our heart.
The time of uncertainty had come. After a two hour flight, we passed through customs and concluded with a very circuitous ride car ride. We arrived at our final destination.
As soon as I stepped out of the car I heard a man ask, “Are you Ryan?” Then he made the best announcement I had heard all day. He said, “I am Robin, your translator.” The new friend who said he could not make it was actually in Wenzhou.
His wife implored him to be there with us the day before. The Lord spoke to her and urged Robin to make the 26-hour bus ride from Beijing to Wenzhou. I am so glad she heard God’s voice. I was equally glad Robin followed her instruction.
The Lord flexed His muscles for us. From then on He proved Himself to us over and over again. He showed up and He showed out every day thereafter. And several times throughout our quest we would often remind one another WE CAN TRUST HIM TODAY.
So, count on Him. Depend on Him. Trust in the Lord…today.
Thank you Ryan for sharing this with us! I now remind myself everyday, even though I knew it before, that I can trust Him today…In EVERYTHING! As I read this this morning I couldn’t help but think of the Abernathy’s and the pain they are feeling/experiencing right now. However, they can trust Him today, that He is in control of their lives and all that surrounds it. Thank you again for your testimony and for being a wonderful pastor and friend. Blessings!