A Gift from God – By Meghan Cobb
My time here has been filled with joy, sadness, anger, gratitude, and frustration all at one time it seems. Our team visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok on our third day here, and I had my first spiritual experience on this trip. I prayed the night before that God lead me closer to him, and that I was surrendering my time here in Thailand to Him and His will. I know today, that God answered my prayers that day. I practiced Buddhism for six years prior to becoming a Christian, and have been a Christian for the last two years.
As we entered the Grand Palace that day, I began to feel extremely overwhelmed with emotion. As we walked around the palace, we came to a place where Buddhists were praying and lighting candles, and about six monks approached the area. Seeing the monks brought me to a breaking point, and I began to cry. Immediately Connie pulled me aside and we talked about how I was feeling, and she reminded me that Jesus was there with me and that the guilt I was feeling was not from the Lord.
Photo by Connie Rock
Later that day, once back at the guesthouse, some team members and I decided to go to lunch; at this time I was still very emotional from my experience at the Grand Palace. As we walked out for lunch, I met some people in the guesthouse that had similar backgrounds and experiences as I did; I decided to stay back and talk with them about my struggles that day. I truly felt Jesus in that moment, and knew in my heart that he put those people in my life to show me His love and support. It was the most beautiful experience, knowing that my Father is here with me and speaks to me through the love and support of other people.
The day could not have turned out to be more led by God than what it was. I realize now that God wanted me to experience the palace so He could show me that He is my Father, and He is the way and the truth. During debrief that night, the entire team prayed over me. It was the first time I ever had someone, much less an entire group of people, lay hands on me to pray.
I know God has spoken to me through the love of my team members on this trip, and that random encounter with strangers. I am still today, surprised by how much He loves me. And the coolest part…. I’m able to give that same unconditional love to the women here in Bangkok. I may be new to this faith, but I know that my God is above all others, and that He will always take care of me. Even when I can’t see it. God=love.
