The day before my departure flight from Japan, where I’d been living for 6 months, I realized that my rings were missing. They aren’t valuable, but they remind me of the countries the Lord’s taken me. I felt sick to my stomach and after looking in a few places, I said out loud, “Lord, please!” The sad thing was that in my mind, I was battling the thought that my cousin had discovered them and I’d never know if they’d be returned. Even though I’m sure she felt conviction growing up, she struggled with possession and obtaining items that belonged to others like her sister shared with me, which I witnessed happen to me while we lived together.
What I’ve learned from my mom and what’s in the books (concerning your husband) is to stay quiet and take it to the Lord! Don’t open your mouth! Also, remember that it’s a “thing” and if it’s gone, then the Lord will use it for my good and my relationship (cousin, friend, sister, brother and future husband) matters more! The next thing He led me to do is reach down into my purse and there they were! Can you imagine if I’d confronted my cousin?! What kind of damage could I have done to our friendship? Here she was completely innocent of the accusation I had in my head and praise the Lord He renewed my mind “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” then “I said, ‘I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle…'” Romans 12:2 and Psalm 39:1
The following morning it was predicted to rain all day, but it didn’t!! The Lord knew that an overcast day would have made my goodbye even more sad leaving my dear friend behind. It’s wonderful how He cares about the little things.
On my flight, I was given a window seat, which was amazing since I knew I’d have a better possibility of sleeping! Airtime would be eleven and half hours, and there was a very long layover for my domestic flight home. I told the Lord I think I need to sleep! A miracle happened! There was hardly anyone on board, and the two seats next to me were vacant, so I was able to lay down and sleep across three seats!! As I laid there, I was thanking Him that I was stretched out with no restrictions, the crew didn’t mind, and I wasn’t cold!!!! His love…”the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NASB
“I said, ‘I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle…'” Psalm 39:1 NASB
“the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30 NASB
~ Tara in Missouri, Erin’s daughter