Peace In His Presence

What started as an exciting day turned into a lesson in trust, faith, and finding peace in God’s presence.It all began innocently enough: My team and I went to a cafe at the school on our mission base to grab some coffee and a snack. However, a few hours after my meal, everything changed. I started feeling uneasy, and soon, the food poisoning hit me like a wave.I can’t emphasize enough how challenging that day was. The physical discomfort was overwhelming, but what struck me more was the mental battle that ensued. As I lay there, wrestling with nausea and fear, I couldn’t help but question everything: “Why did this happen? What if it gets worse?”
In those moments of panic, I turned to scripture for comfort. Psalm 56:3 immediately came to mind: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” It was a gentle reminder that even in our most vulnerable moments, we can find peace in God’s promises. He invites us to lay our fears before Him, no matter how big or small they may seem.This was a pivotal moment for me. I realized that while my circumstances felt insurmountable , my spirit didn’t have to be defined by them. In a world full of uncertainties, I found strength in knowing that God is bigger than any fear or challenge I might face. It brought me to another verse, Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”In that moment, I understood that my safety is not dependent on my surroundings but on being in the center of God’s will. It was as if He was gently reminding me that I was exactly where I needed to be, even amidst the chaos. I thought about how often we cling to our plans, our comfort zones, and how, in moments like these, God often leads us into unexpected situations to remind us of His sovereignty.As the day progressed, I started to shift my focus from my discomfort to prayer. I prayed for healing, for strength, and for peace. I also prayed for understanding—asking God to help me see this experience through His eyes. I reflected on how Jesus, during His time on Earth, faced trials and hardships yet remained unwavering in His purpose and trust in the Father. If He could face such adversity, surely I could find a way to lean into my own struggles.What struck me most during my time of sickness was the overwhelming support I received from my squad mates. Their messages of encouragement flooded in and they were constantly in prayer, reminding me of the community God has placed in my life. It was a beautiful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles. Romans 12:15 encourages us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” It’s through our connections with others that we often find God’s love and support manifested in tangible ways.By the evening, I began to feel a sense of relief. The physical symptoms were easing, and I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me—not just for my recovery, but for the clarity that this experience had brought. I had learned to trust God more deeply and to rely on His strength when I felt weak.In looking back on this experience, I recognize that life is filled with unexpected challenges, and food poisoning is certainly one of the less glamorous ones. However, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the reminder that trusting in God is not just about hoping for smooth sailing; it’s about finding peace in the storms.So here’s to embracing life’s unexpected moments and trusting in the One who holds our futures. God is always there, ready to catch us when we fall and guide us through the valleys. No matter what life throws our way, His love and purpose are infinitely greater.REMEMBER : you are never alone in your struggles.