Knowing God

From Beth Moore's Breaking Free:

1. What has contributed to your trusting in God?
2. What gives you the most trouble in believing in God or His promises.
3. How can you increase your trust in Him?

•    God has proven to faithful time & time again in my life. In addition to all  the blessings He has bestowed upon me, one experience that really sticks out to me, is when I support raising (raising money) for a mission trip to Ghana, Africa with Campus Crusade for Christ.  As a sophmore in college, I had to raise over $4,000 to be able to go to Ghana to do mission work & share the Gospel with the people there for 4 1/2 weeks.  I had NO idea how I was going to come up with the money.  But that was just it, -- it wasn't for me to "come-up" with the money.  Through heavy prayer, I sent out over 100 letters to contacts of people I knew.  At first little money came in.  $10 here. $20 there. somedays... nothing.  I often become discouraged and questions the Lord's reason for calling me to Ghana.  After raising about $2,000, the money stopped coming in.  I was under heavy spiritual warfare.  Was God really calling me to Ghana?? Would the money really come in?? I even considered backing out.  The more I questioned God & tried on my own efforts, searching my brain for ways to raise money, the less that came in. Finally, after being pushed to the limits, I cried out for HIM surrendering it all to HIM.  I asked HIM to take it ALL.  All of my worries & doubts. I let it all go.  I told Him that I would do whatever He called me too and I put ALL my trust in to Him.  I gave-up my own pride and strength.   

                             .... Then the money poured in!! I got a couple very large checks from people I would have NEVER imaged.  Including non-Christians and an Uncle that has hardly enough money to heat his home.  A few days before I was about to leave I was about $350 short.  I was willing to cover the rest, but the Lord had other plans.  In the 3 days before departing I received the remaining $350.  God had brought in the exact amount, down to the dollar.  Not a penny less.  He is ruler of all things.  Our possessions, our money, our hearts, everything.  He loves you enough to provide.  He demonstrated His faithfulness.  He was steadfast and provided it all.  $4,000.  All it took was my trust in the GOD of the universe.  He died for you.  He died for me.  So why are we so unwilling to trust Him with minor things like money? Why won't we just give to Him what is His already.... Pride, idolatry, doubt... all things that separate us from the greatest Love ever known.  Trust Him.  You cost Him His life! He will follow thru.