September 5, 2011 Devotional

WHEN TRUSTING COMES HARD

        
It's summertime here in Southern Maine, which is always a special time of year for our family, filled with memories of camping, strawberry picking, fishing and canoe trips. However, this summer has been different. Last week, our youngest son left to join the military.  Despite earning a four-year college degree and wrestling with the decision for several years, Jeremy finally felt sure in his heart that God was calling him to go. Now, at 23, he's being offered a contract and an opportunity to go straight into army special forces.
 
I must admit that my mother's heart has turned topsy-turvy many times during this process. I've asked the Lord several times if He was sure He knew what he was doing, of what He was asking of my son. See, we're a close-knit family, and if Jeremy does make the special forces, there'll be entire seasons we won't even know where he is or what mission he's on. What a change this will be! Yet the Lord continually reminds me that HE will know...and that's what counts.
 
Recently, while taking a walk, I began praying for my son. As I trudged on, the Lord began to remind me of what TRUST had meant in my life. I replayed all the times over the years that Jeff and I have had to trust Him for our ministry, college educations, physical healing and many other "unknowns." I'd love to tell you that after all these years that trust is an easy thing, but it's not.
 
Trust is HARD. Often I find that it's an act of my will.  Yet one thing I've learned over the years is that my Heavenly Father loves me, and He also loves those I love. As I walked that day, I thought back to when Jeremy was 10, and God clearly told us that He'd ask for him one day. We knew one day we'd need to trust and release. I see now that that day has come. 
 
What's God asking you to trust Him with? Your church? Your marriage? Your children? Whatever it is, always remember that He's a loving and faithful Heavenly Father who always has the best in mind for us and for those we love. And He clearly sees what's ahead. 
 
Even now I can recall my kids learning to swim, standing on the poolside while their Daddy stood in the water with outstretched arms.  "Don't worry, I see you. I'll catch you. Just trust me and jump!"  Jeremiah says..."For I (the Lord) know the plans that I have for you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." So here it goes... Ready, set, JUMP!

Darilynn Tarbox

New Life Church
Biddeford, ME        
www.newlifemaine.org