I began yesterday with so many fears and unknowns over traveling internationally with an 8 month old. I imagined the worst case scenario of Brody screaming, frustrated passengers, and none of us getting any sleep. Our reality was our sweet son laughing and playing, bringing joy to everyone on the plane, being held by multiple flight attendants, and all of us getting plenty of rest (I think he slept 10 out of 13hrs of the flight!). I’m constantly reminded of God’s genuine love and care for us, that He hears our prayers, and that even our travels matter to Him.
This truth rang true as I remembered my first trip to Japan. We had probably one of the worst flight experiences imaginable. I’ll spare you all of the details but here’s the gist: a broken plane, sleeping in baggage claim, getting re-routed, losing our luggage, and arriving 2 days later than planned. Yikes.
There were so many crazy twists and turns in getting to Japan that somehow even the airline didn’t know all that had gone on, with no records of the changes. In the midst of it all God reminded me of Psalm 139:1-5:
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
God saw us in our traveling through all of the mishaps, and He also was again with us as we took our precious little boy on his first international flight. I love the intimacy and truth that God knows when we are away from home on the other side of the world, and He also sees us while we rest at home.
The end of Psalm 139 states how God will “go before me and follow me.” Not only does He spend each day with us by our side, but He also goes ahead of us as He prepares our future. I needed this reminder as I was anxiously awaiting taking Brody on the plane, I wish I had allowed the truth that God was going ahead of us to help prepare me for that flight as I prayed.
I want to encourage you that not only does God see you as you read this, walking by your side as you go about your day today, but He also goes ahead of you- making a way for you and fully preparing whatever is ahead. Spend some time thanking God for where you see Him working and moving in your life right now, and also to pray over the things that are troubling you, consuming you with anxiety. Ask God to go ahead of you to work it all out for His glory, and bring His peace and presence to that situation.
He loves you. He is with you. He goes before you.
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