Early in my life, God brought me to a place where all I could do was to trust and obey Him. When things are going well, I thank God. At the same time, I ask God to grant me the faith to have the same joy and thankfulness even in times when things may not go well (at least not going well according to my narrow perspective on life). After all, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is not any less of a God because I don’t get my way, and He’s not more of a God because things do go my way. He is the same God who loves us beyond compare regardless of life's circumstances. He sent His only Son to die on our behalf. I can't see how could we ever question His love for us?

Am I willing to trust and obey? That was the question I asked myself back in 2007 when I was invited to join the Women’s Ministry Team. Immediately, I came up with a list of reasons why I could not serve in that capacity. I was at a point in my life where I wanted to take a step back from serving the church as I felt stretched in many directions. I was also not so keen on putting myself in a place of leadership where there is a higher level of scrutiny. Moreover, I was uncertain about the other two ladies in the team. I wasn’t very close to one and I didn’t even know that the other even attended Harvest!

I had every reason to turn down the opportunity, but the more I thought about it the more I realized all the reasons were about me. I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in my life and my responsibility to trust and obey Him. After much prayer and reflection, I willingly accepted the opportunity. I had to make some practical adjustments in my life like stepping down from Children’s Ministry and mROC so that I could devote my time to Women’s Ministry.

I also had a conversation with God. I said, “God, help me to do my very best. If things go well, may You be glorified. If at times things don’t go well, help me to find peace in knowing that I’ve done my best and not allow Satan to discourage me. Rather, help me to learn from my mistakes and do better next time. Help me not to take things personally but to trust in You and obey that this is Your calling for me at this time.”

Once again, God has proven Himself to be faithful! What a privilege, honor and a blessing it has been to serve in the Women’s Ministry. What I would’ve had missed out had I not trusted and obeyed Him. It has been such a joy and a blessing to serve with the women of Harvest through WOW and planning events and retreats as we reached up, across and out. It’s amazing to see God at work as He brings women of all ages with different background and individual, God-given talent to work together to accomplish things that we cannot do alone for His will and purpose. There definitely were challenges along the way, but the challenges brought us closer to God and as sisters in Christ. I especially thank God for the beautiful friendships that have formed within the team. I am excited for all that God has planned for Harvest, especially through the Women’s Ministry! This experience has solidified my confidence in God and all that He can do through each of us as we trust and obey in saying, “Yes, Lord. I am Your servant, ready to serve!”

Trust and Obey
John H. Sam­mis, 1887

When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
(Refrain)

But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)

Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.
(Refrain)