Trust … even when life happens

I recently received the Women’s Ministry newsletter from Lutheran Church of Hope, and I was moved, convicted and affirmed by what it said to me – my heart – during this Christmas season. I hope it touches your heart, too.

I have had lots of “trust issues” in my life. I think that started when I was a baby – my father left when I was 6-weeks old, and I grew up without a dad. Fortunately, I had a good grandpa, several good uncles and other male role models in my life. But it’s not the same … a dad belongs to YOU. And I didn’t have one.

As I have grown older, I do see how God has always been there for me in so many ways. And even though I miss Ron, my husband of 44 years, so much, especially during this Christmas season, I trust that I can do this – and even experience happiness and joy --  during this, my fifth Christmas without him.

I highly recommend the book mentioned here, “Great and Glorious Physician.” It’s historical fiction, but very true to scripture, about the life of Luke, the writer of the Gospel of Luke.

My friend, Mary Stier, Women’s Ministries Director, wrote this for the newsletter, and with her permission, I am sharing it with you.

Trust in the LORD always,    for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.  - Isaiah 26:4

Trust.

I've been thinking about trust this Christmas.

Trust seems easy when life is moving along as planned. Trust is abundant when all your loved ones are doing life just as you dreamed. Trust is easy when you have your health. And solid finances. And no conflict.

But then life happens. The check bounces. A friend betrays a confidence. A loved one falls in the pit of addiction. The doctor calls with a devastating test result.

It's moments like this when trust isn't so easy, is it?

But Scripture reminds us time and again that we can trust in the Lord.

Mary trusted.

There is a beautiful book called "Dear and Glorious Physician" by Taylor Caldwell. In one chapter the author describes the moment when the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will bring forth a son who is the Messiah. Caldwell writes,

"Mary lifted her small hands and gazed at them in bewilderment; she saw the stains of hard work upon them; she saw the coarseness of her garments; she remembered that she was a girl. How could she be chosen, and not the princess of Israel surrounded by trumpets and marble columns and perfumed fountains and attendants? She covered her face with her hands and wept. She did not know if she was weeping with fright or with joy."

Heaven knows (literally heaven knows!) that this wasn't Mary's plan. But Mary trusted her almighty Father. She didn't cry out a lamenting prayer or try and talk God out of his plan. Instead she responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true."

She trusted Him.

I don't know your circumstances this Christmas but I do know that God hears your prayers. Your prayers may not be answered with the details you envision or the timing you request but your prayers will be answered.

This Christmas may you find peace, with Mary as your role model, to lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind.

Trust Him, my friend.

Merry Christmas!