Same God

You are the same, yesterday, today and forever – Hebrews 13:8

Recently I had the most amazing privilege of partnering with Eastlake Church and Transform Cambodia on a mission trip to Cambodia.

To say it was life changing is a big statement but it’s safe to say, I do feel changed… God shaped and moulded me in the way he needed to in order to draw me closer to Him.

One of the most amazing ways I was impacted was seeing and knowing that the wonderful creator these people worship over there, is the very same Father and creator we have so accessible here right in front of us. Why does it take a mission trip to see that though? Can’t we just see that in our everyday duties, tasks and life? Why does it take travelling over to a different country like Cambodia to understand hope and trusting in the very same God?

I think for me it was the space and time needed to really lean in to meet with Jesus. Not as a mum or a wife or anything else but me. It definitely is something I find hard when you are in the daily grind. But I am so thankful that I was able to experience even God’s patience for me and faithfulness in knowing that in every moment. He is present.

One of the songs that I have been constantly listening to from that trip is Same God from Elevation Worship. Here are some of the lyrics that have really impacted me since the trip:

You heard Your children then You hear Your children now You are the same God
You answered prayers back then And You will answer now
You are the same God
You were providing then You are providing now You are the same God
You moved in power then God, move in power now You are the same God
You were a healer then You are a healer now You are the same God
You were a Saviour then You are a Saviour now You are the same God You are the same God

God is still just as present here in a tiny town of Mandurah then He is in the big city of Phnom Penh… But sometimes it just takes the time and the space to see and hear that.

One of the biggest blessings I was able to witness over there was the simplicity of life. Not having much but feeling like you have gained the WHOLE world through the love of Jesus; Not feeling like you contribute much but being a blessing to EVERYONE around you. Being amongst the kids of transform enabled me to learn, grow and find a new earned joy in the Lord I hadn’t seen in a while.

I remember one day at the transform centre I was asked to come and join in on the worship upstairs while most of the other team was downstairs with another group. It was such a profound moment of meeting God right where I was.. I didn’t need to be anywhere or asked to be involved with anything.. It was a moment between God and I saying.. Cast your burdens on me, give me your heart… and as i sang the phrase over and over again

O God, my God, I need You
O God, my God, I need You now How I need You now
O Rock, O Rock of ages
I’m standing on Your faithfulness On Your faithfulness

It was like the filters had been removed… all my expectations, my insecurities, my fears and all that was holding me back, the Holy Spirit allowed me to just sit in his quiet presence, and hearing his voice so clearly… What a refreshing and joyful time that was. And I was surrounded by a myriad of wonderful 15 year olds doing the same.

It was evident that not only i but all of these kids alongside me were praising the same God, seeking the same God, calling on the same God of Jacob, Moses, Mary and David. God has us in mind, He loves us and WANTS us to lean into and see Him. He knows what we need, how he wants us to be used and and what is to come. We just need to fix our eyes on Him and turn to what is the most important. It’s simple but we complicate it. He IS the same and being the same doesn’t make Him boring… it causes us to really know Him better and seek His faithfulness and goodness to us which enables us to stand, and STAND FIRM in the tools He has provided us with.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:14-17

Oh God I’m thankful that we need you, I’m thankful that you are the Rock of Ages, and I thank you that we can stand firm on your faithfulness. May we live each day growing and seeking more of you. Amen.

Below is the link for our trip – it was such a great time with a wonderful group of people and I will treasure this experience forever.