Substack, I’ve received my first donation!!!

When the first couple of days passed with zero engagement in my fundraising efforts to get from Australia to the US to visit my grandmother, I honestly started to lose hope. Maybe seeing Mama one last time is not in God’s plan, I thought to myself. I’ll deactivate in a week or two if nothing happens, but for now, let me see what God might do.

The loss of hope, during Holy Week, on Good Friday of all times, is almost serendipitous in how it points me back to the cross.

When Jesus was taken into custody and then crucified, the disciples lost hope as well. Despite walking with the Savior of the world for years, they lost hope before they saw the miracle. This isn’t a surprise. Jesus warned them. He warned them that they would be scattered. He cautioned them to pray and stay vigilant, because while their spirits may be strong, the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:31-40). He tried to tell them and yet they still lost hope when he was crucified 2000+ years ago on the very first Good Friday. Thankfully the story does not end there.

I am grateful for a gracious God. A God who still reaches his hand out and gives out hope.

Moments after I decided to leave it in God’s hands for a while, I clicked the link and saw it: God’s hand at work through the generosity of a stranger. Thank you so much, Peg.