Our Small Things Matter to God!
This past month I’ve gone through many struggles, but through it all God is showing up and showing off! I’m going to get very real with you all, and I’ll even share an uncut video of my personal life at the end of this post.
About 5 weeks ago, the truck my uncle let me borrow for my time here in the States blew a head gasket. Without a vehicle here, it is very hard to get to work, let alone church. Without transportation, I haven’t been able to do the two jobs God has given me here in Georgia very well. My brother, who is a mechanic, was able to replace the head gasket, but then found that it has a cracked block.
Times get tough for everyone, and I’m not exempt from problems either! I know each month people read my newsletters about amazing miracles, and I pray I never give the impression that life is without struggles, because it is not.
My finances were going from bad to worse. Most missionaries experience this. When they come back home, their funds tend to decline, and this was the month I experienced it. So my funds are down and the truck I was borrowing has seen its last days. Now what?
Sunday, Oct 7th, was my day of dying to self and giving it all back to God. During the Sunday morning service, the church announced that this was the last week to join the men’s retreat. Knowing I didn’t have the money for it, I prayed and asked God to make a way for me to go.
At the end of the service, the couple sitting next to me asked about the islands printed on my shirt and found out I was a missionary. We had a short and sweet conversation. Then, as I was leaving, they caught me and asked, “Are you going on the men’s retreat?” and “Would you like to?” Needless to say, I was shocked! I didn’t know this couple from Adam, and now they wanted to pay my way! The gentleman told me God had prompted him, and then I knew my miracle had come!
The day wasn’t over yet either. God wanted to love on me some more! Later that same Sunday, at my brother’s baby shower, I met two ladies face to face who had been inspired by my life. We had come to know each other online but had never actually met in person. As they left the baby shower, each of them blessed me with a financial gift! Three different people I had never met before were led by God to give to me on the same day. I was blown away! Who cares if my funds “look” slim? God is still in control!
As we were traveling home from the baby shower, God spared my family and me from a car accident. The rain caused a truck to spin out and hit the two cars behind us. Thank God no one was seriously injured!
And the day still wasn’t over! Later that Sunday night, I was communicating with a friend, Shari, and asked her how I could pray for her. She only asked that I reach out more to the lost, which made me want to insist even more on praying for her personally. Soon after, Shari’s daughter told me she was in pain.
While I was reading her daughter’s message, the Holy Spirit came upon me, and I knew she was going to be healed. That’s one of the ways God confirms to me who will be healed. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that the pain was in her shoulders, which she later confirmed. After a quick phone call… she was instantly healed! All glory belongs to God, as I don’t even know how to stitch a cut, let alone sew anything!
Shari’s life and prayer have also blessed my life, because she has a pure heart toward others. Please say a prayer for her that every bone in her spine will regenerate completely and that no sickness can overtake her body. God is able!
Just as God showed me that the small concerns in my life matter to Him, the small concerns in Shari’s life matter to Him too. We were both retaught the same lesson on the same day! Now I pray this message spreads and gives you hope. Trust in Him, for He who has led you is faithful!
P.S. I’ve been accepted as a missionary associate with the Assemblies of God! It’s tough to get in, and I didn’t even know if I would meet their standards. God is the one who closes one door and opens another. Though a door may be slammed in your face, I can assure you that God’s will is best! Take the door He chooses for you!
P.P.S. Exactly seven years ago, on Oct 3rd, I was in a motorcycle accident. What better way to commemorate it than with a video testimony of how God turns bad situations around? Click here to watch the video.
Thank you so much for your financial blessings and prayers! I couldn’t reach others without you. My God-led supporters and prayer warriors have made it possible to touch this world for God’s glory. I’m so proud to be a part of your life! How can I ever give you the thanks you deserve? God bless you so much!
Because they haven’t heard,
Justin Gilpin