“Trust”

SCRIPTURE

"Do not take gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food." - Matthew 10:5-15 (excerpt)

REFLECTION

I used to be a much worse packer than I am now. I used to over-pack in a big way, trying to be ultra-prepared and putting every possible thing I could think of into my suitcase. Traveling overseas changed all that. We had to think about weight limits, we had to consider whether we wanted to check bags or just live out of carry-ons, how much we were willing to lug around airports, train stations, and through city streets, and if we were willing to wear clothing more than once (or twice).

Now, to my utter surprise (and delight) when we travel (and someday we will travel again), we can go away for two weeks with just a carry-on for each of us that weighs less than 15 pounds. Who’d have ever thunk it?

Jesus, it seems, was the ultimate light packer. Don’t take anything, he says. Just go. That takes a lot of courage and a lot of trust that you’ll be given what you need as you go along your way. And yet, that’s exactly what the disciples find to be true when he sends them out for the first time in two’s to perform public ministry and evangelism.

Jesus gives us a unique gift in his directions to the disciples: don’t worry about it. In Life, just go. Don’t worry so much about making sure you’ve thought of every contingency and possibility. Surprises happen. Things change. The unexpected is sure to visit you at some point. Have faith that you’ll be given all that you need for whatever you encounter. Trust.

Traveling light for leisure changed my perspective on what I really need and what I trust I can find along the way. Imagine what that can do when you do that with Life’s journey, as well?

PRAYER

Trustworthy God, help us to travel light through life with the faith and assurance that we will be provided with all that we need along the way.

Amen.

Peace,

Shawn