Yesterday afternoon my husband and I had a very quick 'catch up' conversation when he stopped by the house to check in (and re-shave) during a busy call. I spent the whole 3 minutes standing behind him sharing my concerns about a struggle one of my children is having. In true fleshly fashion, I went straight to the most troubling possibilities and my fears about worst-case outcomes. He listened. He hugged me and then as dictated by his pager, he dashed back out the door. My teary eyes rested upon a devotion book laying on my bedside table. I reached over and picked it up, quickly turning to the current date.
"Entrust your loved ones to Me, surrender them to My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself.
Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.
When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do."
-Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
A well placed word was a sweet gift to my worried Mama's heart--a reminder of God's sovereignty, His trustworthiness and His position as THE object of my worship.
I KNOW He loves my children and has a plan for them. I just forget sometimes. My worry, concern, pride and protectiveness edges out the faith I profess. Truth be told, I want my children to be able to skip through the hard things. Yet, my own life teaches me that the hard things are what God most frequently uses to build character and spiritual muscle.
I must remember that God (their Creator, Savior and Lover of their Soul) is writing their story. He is trustworthy.
10 comments:
This is something that I really needed to see as my 18 year old son prepares to move out. Thank you.
This was something that I so needed to read tonight! Thank you for once again ministering to my heart!
WOW what an awesome post! I needed to hear that! Thank you!
I read the same devotional and it also came to me at a much needed time! I just need to remind myself of this after the 20 minutes that I stop worrying and then start up again! He is their BEST Shepherd and holds our little one in our hands--the safest place they can be!
Great reminder! Thanks for sharing. I love reading your blog! :)
I am right there with you friend! I was having some worries with my kids "stuff" these days too! Oh how much this blog and His word helps me tonight. Love you! :) Thanks!
Brant wants to know what verses these words were taken from in Jesus Calling book. Do you know?
Jennifer,
This is such an HONEST heartfelt post that touched my heart. Although my sweet ones are older, the concerns don't go away, but after years of seeing firsthand God's faithfulness with my life and my children's, I am learning to "let go, and let God". I love that saying and know how true it is. So many fears are borne of fatigue but truly with the Lord leading us, everything works our for the good, and we can rest knowing His soveirnty is ALL.
Thank you for sharing your life and wisdom with all of us.
Debra
Daree, It's Genesis 22:9-12, Ephesians 3:20, Exodus 33:14
I have been reading your blog for a few years now. I love your honesty & inspirational thoughts & bible verses. Today, as my daughter is experiencing another set back in the NICU, I really needed to hear these words. I just wanted to say thank you. God Bless!
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