Friday, July 5, 2013

Trust

 

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

3 My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,    and he will make your paths straight.[ Proverbs 3:1-6

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.  - Exodus 20:12 (NIV)
 
My parents live in Florida. As they get older, they are no longer able to enjoy the nice weather and the visits to the beach. Over the last four years, they have experienced many health concerns, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. After the last hospital stay, I asked them to move to my home to live with me. My dad broke down and cried. “I’m scared,” he said. “How are we going to move? We’re old, sick, and have no money.” “Dad, do you trust me?” I asked. “Of course I trust you,” Dad replied.

When I got off the phone, I realized the commitment I had made. I felt as if my parents’ well-being were totally in my hands. I would need to sell their home, make travel arrangements, make appointments with doctors, make my home handicap accessible, and then take on the important role of caring for them. I am single and own a business. How can I take on any more responsibilities? I thought. Now, I was the one who was scared.

 I cried out to God for strength and support. Then I remembered the question I’d asked my dad. When we are scared and don’t know what to do or what the future holds, God asks, “Do you trust me?” God had answered my prayers before I asked.

Prayer

Dear God, source of strength, when we are afraid, give us faith to trust in you. Amen.
Prayer focus   Elderly parents
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