Romans 5:19
For just as by one man's disobedience (failing to hear, heedlessness, and carelessness) the many were constituted sinners, so by one Man's obedience the many will be constituted righteous (made acceptable toGod, brought into right standing with Him).
First Faith Trip: Hamilton - Levin!
First Leg: I left Hamilton a little too late but I knew no matter where I was, I would have to fully rely on God for my meals, transport and accomodation, so what did it matter where I would have to stop for the night. MISTAKE NUMBER 1. It DOES matter where you stop cos it gets to almost freezing at night in some places, like Bulls. But back a few steps. First ride I got was just to Ohaupo not much out of town, then I got a ride by a lovely lady who stopped for icecream and bought me one. Ya it was that warm up in the Waikato. We chatted about life and God and how I hated religion and it turned out she needed to hear about the true love of God without the religious undertones, she grew up in a Devout Catholic upbringing, though I NOTHING against Catholics, her mother believed in striving for God's cause and mercy.
She dropped me off while protesting that the weather was too wet and I should stay with her the night. I knew she was a lovely lady and safe but I was feeling like I needed to move on. I got picked up straight away by someone who was just heading 20 minutes away and dropped off in a funny spot where not many drove past. I was wet and cold but I was filled with joy and freedom. I got picked up about 20 minutes later and he drove me all the way to Taumaranui. All the way we talked about my testimony and he was a bit skeptical that a girl like me had changed from a party animal to an enthusiastic and positive lover of God. After being picked up in Taumaranui by a Christian guy in a BEAUTIFUL clubsport, I was dropped in Owhanga and picked up by a Truckie driving all the way to Bulls. The trucky learned a lot about being a spiritual Christian from me and he talked about his Maori upbringing and how his father was "religious". We talked about so many things and I told him that God sent Jesus to die not just for anything wrong we may do in our lives, but to free us from all spiritual and physical slavery. He was very interested and open. As I sang for him he was deeply moved.
BULLS: After climbing down the ladder from the truck, I was in Bulls. I headed over to McDonalds and looked around in the closed shops. It was 10pm and I should have stopped for somewhere to stay earlier, maybe with that woman. I felt nothing but Joy though and kept laughing out loud with God. I walked around alleyways and churches but couldn't find somewhere to sleep. I never did find a good place to sleep. The next day I went to Marton and a couple helped me out by letting me stay in their Lodge, I didn't think I could wake them up so I didn't ask the night before. YES timing is everything. Listen to that small quiet voice.
The next day I went to Levin safely on a bus.
LEVIN: When I arrived in Levin I didn't know how to get hold of my cousin and although I text her a few times I found out later her phone was broken! I thought I would see if God provided accomodation but when it started to get to dinner time I went to her work...Noone knew her contact details, and couldn't get hold of her. One of her amazing colleagues gave me a place to stay and we talked about life to the wee hours of the morning, although I was exhausted. I left a message for my cousin on Facebook hoping she would see it. She ended up getting contacted by my Aunty (her mum) and seeing the Facebook message. I was dropped off to the paddock where my cousin's horse grazes and when I knocked on the door to the closest house they knew my cousin! As we tried to do detective work over coffee, who turns up but my cousin! All things work together for the good for those who love HIM!!
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
P.S. I never had to buy any meals!
