DO YOU TRUST ME?

God will often ask, “Do you trust me?”

I’ve learned through many years of trying to walk with God here in Ethiopia and in other places, that trusting God is key, but is challenging.  God’s way is usually not comfortable or easy or quick.  He works in His own way and in His own time.  Instead of stilling a storm, He may use that storm to actually answer a prayer. He might not heal a sickness or disease; He might not lift suffering. It can make no sense.  He might not bring reconciliation to a relationship or heal a broken body or mind.  Can He do these things? Yes. But sometimes, He seems still, even silent.  He might not bring the relationship you’ve been praying for, and He might allow solitude to continue years past when you thought it should be done.  He might keep prison doors locked. What are you doing God… we may ask.  Satan jumps in during all these times and whispers lies. He might say …” God doesn’t hear you. God doesn’t care. God has forgotten you. You won’t get breakthrough. You won’t get freedom. You’re done.”  He will tell you to rely on NO ONE but yourself. He will cause you to panic and make unwise moves.  Satan is a liar! God’s timing is not our own and even the outcome He brings might not be what we want.  But can God be trusted?  He can!  Just looking back at my own journey, I’ve seen God ask me to trust Him, then have reflected on my reactions and His actions. Many times, I’ve not waited on Him, I’ve not trusted Him. I leaned into Satan’s lies and became discouraged.  BUT, I’ve also seen God give me big grace during those times and teach me more about Him, thankfully. Other times, and I hope these times increase, I have trusted God, I haven’t moved, and I’ve waited and when I have done that, I have seen God move in big, unexplainable and unbelievable ways! He worked in a way I didn’t expect, and the impact was beyond what I could imagine! God deserves our trust!

This past month, we hosted our second largest summer event for EvaSUE, our National Mission Summit. A lot of things seemed to go wrong right before it.  Our lodging and location fell through, several staff had challenging family issues, there was an overall feeling from my side and from others of not feeling ready.  Yet, I heard God whispering throughout the weeks preceding this event saying… “Do you trust me?” 

Well, God pulled together an amazing week for us!  As only God is able to do, He speaks and leads when we are at the end of us.  Despite huge logistical challenges, close to 500 students and over 100 staff had an unforgettable and inspiring week of training!  God Himself backed us up and His Spirit I believe ignited a fire that will continue to burn in the time ahead.  God is able to move and work even when it doesn’t look possible for anything to happen!!! He is able!! We thank God for all He did at our National Mission Summit (NMS)!

The art team I led did an amazing gallery. I was so blessed to lead this team of talented graduates who creatively and passionately shared the overall theme and message of the week (from the book of Psalms- TO SEEK GOD- return, walk righteously, and trust).  There was also a strong challenge to GO to the ends of the earth with the good news of Jesus!

There was a “walk” –we created that took you through unreached people groups with a strong challenge to move to reach the unreached- those not just in the nations, but also those on campuses and in the students’ dorms.  The cross was there for students to make a commitment.

We also put up a huge mission gallery wall of our very own students doing mission all over the country this past school year.  This was also deeply encouraging for everyone to see.  God calls all of us to be mobilized and missional as we follow Jesus!

In one side of the main hall- we had a “Be Still” corner.  One student at a time would “be still” in that corner and spend one to two minutes inside- looking at and being reminded of God’s promises on the windows that were in front of them.  The few times I went inside myself, I grew calm and hopeful and encouraged. Why don’t we do this often during the day? What a difference this makes!

  

A prayer room was also created- where students could go and pray and be still before God. This room was also very challenging and moving. Many students were inside often during the week- crying out to God and humbling themselves before Him. 

I did a seminar on Youth Culture.  I shared new research I had received about the current youth generation. The new information says young people today are increasingly lonely and are struggling with mental health.  Many want safety more than anything else and they are open to spiritual conversation but are increasingly skeptical of institutionalized religion.  We need good strategy and compassion to go to where they are. Students in my seminars were largely learning about themselves and their own campuses and I was deeply moved to see their responses.  They were ready and committed and emboldened to be an advocate for youth and to reach them!  Praise God for youth reaching youth and even youth helping their local churches to reach and keep the youth engaged!

Praise God again for all He did and all He is able to do when we trust Him!

As God’s people, we MUST learn to trust Him. Whatever way He chooses to work and whatever results, He is God.  He knows what He’s doing.  He has a bigger purpose and plan at work than we realize.  When you think it’s over, it’s not. When you think nothing is going on or things are falling apart, it’s not.  God is at work!

What is God asking you to trust Him with today, in this season of life?

Release it all to Him and trust Him!  Watch what He is able to do!

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you- Psalm 56:3

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him, my heart trusts and I am helped – Psalm28:7

Blessed is the One who trusts in the Lord- Psalm 40:4

Let’s trust our God!

Prayer Requests

Please keep our final big summer national event coming up in early August in prayer. Our National Leadership Summit will be double the size of the National Mission Summit. We need to trust God again to lead us and help us. We still do not have a new hosting site.

Please pray for the water-power at my compound.  It’s been largely off for months now, and it’s extremely stretching for me and all of us.

Thank you so much for the support and prayers. God is doing so much through your partnership!

If you'd like to make a one-time donation for the work here, you can do so through this link:

https://www.globaloutreach.org/giving/missionary-details/holly-garrett

Blessed summer season to you all as it continues!