Practice what I preach.  Heard that one before?  I am sure that you have.  There is a common theme that runs through my blogs about the unconditional love, the goodness of our God and the necessity of trusting in God for everything.

When my life is in harmony and I’m in a comfortable place, it is easy to believe and trust in God.  Every need seems to be satisfied.  There is no angst in my life.  My “brook” of life is moving through a flower-filled meadow – slow and sweet.

When that brook moves beyond the meadow and into the “rapids” of life – the unexpected, unplanned and unanticipated events of life, my belief is challenged.  I need to practice what I preach about the constant care of God and that means that I need to practice my faith in God.  I need to apply my theory to my reality.

Practicing my faith gets scary because it does mean letting go of the myth that I can control what is happening around me by myself.  I cannot.  If I surrender to that truth, I can be free of the need to worry about what will happen next.  But the worry keeps creeping back.  I am so human!  Can I be a responsible person, if I let someone else take over for me?  Trust God!

God knows so much more than I do.  There, I have said it.  I believe it.  I trust in it.  I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but God does.

I was reminded this morning about our current Stephen Ministry Continuing Education text, Max Lucado’s book called you’ll get through this (sic).  The subtitle is “Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times”.  Now, this book was suggested by a Stephen Minister last Fall.  She didn’t know what we would be facing this Spring.  But God did.  The Holy Spirit brought this book to our attention and we decided to use it.

Here’s the message found of the back of this book:

You’ll get through this.  It won’t be painless.  It won’t be quick.
But God will use this mess for good.  Don’t be foolish or naïve.
But don’t despair either.  With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

Another example of the unconditional love which our Creator God and Father has for each of us.  Cherish this gift.  Let go of your fears and trust in the Lord.

Terri