Astonished by God

"God has prepared you for everything He's called you to do on this journey." I heard it from countless people as I fund-raised. I really thought about it for the first time when Chayna, my discipler, said it 3 days before I left. I attempted to convince myself it was true when Connie, our host, repeated it about 6 times in the first 3 days we were here. My brain believed it, but my heart didn't. Until tonight.
On the first few days of the trip, Tom, Connie's husband, asked us to write 3 personal/ministry goals for the trip. As I prayed about it, I really felt like God wanted me to preach at least once. Because He asked, I said I would but I really didn't know how. Tonight, I had the opportunity to share with a whole bunch of college students - mostly 1st years which here means 15 and 16 year-olds. One thing I've learned here is nothing ever goes according to plan. Ever. Filipinos are not like Americans. So sure enough, we show up to the college dormitory tonight and Pastor Ed says we're doing 1 floor instead if 2. No biggie. I can flow with sharing the podium - or completely giving it up.
Of course, it didn't work out that way. One other girl, Maeve, shared after worship and then I talked. I shared how Jesus became more than just another guy in history to me - how I really started a relationship with Him in college. I also tied the Romans Road in as well. Afterwards, we split into small groups and discussed the message.
There was one girl in my group who said she had never had a relationship with God. She seemed eager and hungry to me so I planned to talk to her alone later. However, we ended with a worship song and she began crying as she sung. She told me that she had hung unto every word I had said and that she wanted to start a relationship with Christ. I got to pray with her to start that relationship.
Isn't God amazing? All I did was show up and get over my anxiety about talking. He did the rest. Even my part wasn't possible without His help. I really feel in my heart now (not just my head) that He's prepared me for this trip.
Will you please join me in praying for Cristiana? She's new to knowing Jesus personally and could really use your prayers!
Also - I want to challenge you to be obedient to God's prompting even when you're tired and just don't want to do anything. I had a million excuses for not getting up there tonight, but God showed up in my weakness and displayed His greatness. If He can do it for me, He'll definitely do it for you.