So you know how it says in Hebrews 4:12,
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Well, God has recently taken me on a journey to show me just how alive His Word really is.
It all started on a rainy, cold afternoon…
…in a coffee shop in Istanbul. We had just checked out of our hotel and had some time to kill before we could go to the airport and head to Tbilisi, Georgia. I hadn’t read my Bible yet that day, so I decided to start in Songs 8:6-7. Eventually, God had me soak in Matthew 6:25-34 where it talks about not being anxious about food, drink, and clothing. I was especially captivated by Matthew 6:33:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.
When I was done studying for the day, I took out my earphones, and immediately, the stranger next to me started talking to me. He was from Iraq, lived in the U.K with his wife and 3 daughters, and he was in Istanbul for business. I got to tell him about doing mission work for a year, and share how much I love the Bible and stuff. It was a really sweet conversation that only God could have orchestrated.
Well, halfway through our conversation, he asks me if he can buy me a cup of coffee. Of course, I said yes, and while he went to get the coffee, Holy Spirit helped me make a connection. I had first spent hours seeking His Kingdom through the Word, and then right after God provided me with an opportunity to pour into someone and He gave me something to drink. So cool!!
When my new friend came back, we talked a little more and then I got to pray a blessing over his family and business. He really loved that part. Eventually I had to leave for the airport, so we said our goodbyes and I left in awe of God.
The crazy thing is it happens again…
…in Tbilisi, Georgia. I spent my morning soaking in Matthew 6:25-34 again because I just couldn’t get enough of it. Then I went with a friend to get a PCR covid test for her. On the way back, we went up to people who were injured and prayed for them to be healed. We also got flowers and passed them out to people along the way to spread some love and joy. We sought His kingdom.
We got close to where we were staying, and we decided to pray for one more person who had an injured leg. We were noticed by a bystander, and they decided to come over and talk to us about what we were doing. Soon into our conversation, he asks, “Can I buy you tea or coffee?” Again, I sought God’s kingdom first and then He literally provided me with something to drink.
It turns out, these two encounters were just a warm-up to build up my faith for what comes next.
A few days later, I used all my food money for the week to make homemade spaghetti for a friend and I. After we each had our fill, there were a ton of leftovers, and I decided to take the leftovers to feed some of the homeless I noticed in the city.
After it was all said and done, I realized I had no more money to cover food for the rest of the week. I talked to Holy Spirit about it, and He gave me the go-ahead to use my credit card, so I did. About a week after all of this went down, I woke up one morning to discover a generous Venmo gift from one of my friends back home. Honestly, at first I thought it was a mistake, but then my friend told me it was real. Lol. She also told me she fundraised the money by making food and selling it to people.
I sought God’s kingdom by feeding the homeless, and eventually He made sure I was taken care of too. Isn’t that so cool? I know my faith has been soaring since all this went down. It’s also been so sweet to experience God’s faithfulness to the promises He makes in His word.
It has stirred up a ravenous hunger to hide more of God’s word in my heart and to know more of His promises.
I hope God uses this story to encourage you in the way you need it to!
