BY
ANGIE THIBODAUX
As told to
Pat Banta Kreml

I’ll never forget the Sunday a little over two years ago when David Cerjan, from Faith Walk Ministries, came to speak at WHWC. That morning I sat on the platform as part of the choir, totally unaware that my faith was about to be stretched and challenged.

The minute David began to speak about Israel and the trip Faith Walk Ministries had organized for the coming October, my spirit just came to life. I sat up straight and hung on every word he said. He spoke of Israel as a land rich in history, as a nation at the center of current religious conflict, and as the land where our Lord Jesus lived and fulfilled all of the Messianic prophecies.

“I know some of you think a journey like this would be impossible for you to afford,” David said. “But if you are meant to go, God will make a way for you no matter what your natural circumstances.”

I was definitely one of those people. At the time, I lived on a very limited income. I had to work three jobs just to make ends meet. At that time my goal was to reach a point where I’d only have to work two jobs. There certainly wasn’t room in my budget for a 14 day trip to Israel. My mind shouted, It’s out of the question, but my heart tuned in to the Spirit saying, You’re supposed to go. When the service ended, I was the first person to speak to David .

“How much will the trip cost,” I asked.

“The whole trip including airfare, hotel, breakfast and dinner, and transportation within Israel will be $3,300.00.”

A staggering amount for someone like me. Logically, I should have given up on the idea of going immediately, but something that defied logic had begun to burn in my heart; a desire inspired of God.

“Just continue to pray about it and have faith, Angie. If it’s your time to go, the Lord will make a way.” David said.

By the time I left the meeting, I felt like nothing was impossible. I began to pray that God would provide other avenues for me to earn extra money. As an act of faith, I sent a $50.00 down payment for the trip. For many years I had been a faithful giver, so I knew God would always meet my needs, but this trip was not a need, it was a desire. I knew I had to settle in my heart whether this was simply my desire, or the Lord’s desire for me, so I kept an open heart as I sought the Lord in prayer.

Over the next few months a lot of changes came and went in my life. As the time flew by, I worked several extra jobs, but I was nowhere near having enough money for the trip. Did I miss God? I wondered. Should I just give up?

Several times I called David and his mom, Pat, and they prayed with me for the Lord’s will to be made clear. Time was running out. Without divine intervention, I knew I could not go to Israel.

Then one day as I was working a side job, the person who hired me said, “Angie, you always work so hard for me and do such a good job, I’d like to bless you. If you could have anything you wanted, what would you want?”

I didn’t even pause to think, “To go to Israel,” I said.

“Consider it done,”

I was so excited. Surely this must be the Lord’s channel to provide, I thought. And that’s when I made one costly mistake. I took my eyes off of God and put them on this individual and their resources. A short time later, this person suffered some financial setbacks. The source I had put my faith in dried up, and all hope of me going to Israel faded. I wanted to go on that trip so badly, but it was already past the deadline for getting the payment for my ticket to Faith Walk. I knew I couldn’t leave them hanging any longer. I watched my friends continuing with their plans and I felt totally left out. I feared I might never get a chance to go.

As people of great wisdom supported me in prayer, I searched my heart for answers. Then the Lord began to show me from His word that unless a seed is planted in the ground and dies, it cannot grow. I had held on to my seed of desire so tightly that I had driven out God’s desire. Years before the Lord had told me that I had to give up my rights so I could have His. I realized nothing was going to change until I let go of my dreams, and told the Lord, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” So I took my eyes off of people and circumstances and put them back on the Lord.

My heart broke the day I picked up the phone and called David. “The money’s just not there. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to go after all. Maybe next time,” I said as I held back the tears that threatened to suffocate me. Faith Walk had already held my place long past the due date for payment, and I felt so badly that I had not come through. But what could I do. It was over. I had done all I could do. But God was just getting started.

The next day, the person who originally offered to pay for my ticket called me. “If you still want to go to Israel, stop by the house today. I have the money for you.”

This time I called David in tears, but these were tears of joy. God had come through in His way and His time.

My trip to Israel was a blessing. I walked the streets where Jesus walked, visited the site of His was crucifixion, experienced water baptism in the Jordan River, and fellowshipped with believers drawn by the same vision for Israel. I learned so much about the Holy Land that I did not know. But the greatest lesson I learned was to always look to God alone as my provider; to focus my faith on Him; not other people and not obvious sources. And after experiencing His divine provision for this trip, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Angie is a secretary at Jewett School of the Arts. She has been a member of WHWC for many years. She sings in the choir, and is active in the singles group, intercessory prayer, and serves as an altar worker.