They were arguing over whose turn it was to stand on the coffee table (yeah, their mom lets them do it). HayJae had nudged Kinsey a bit too hard on her previous turn and she fell as she stepped down. This time Kinsey didn't much trust her bigger sister's offer of help. Even though HayJae was sorry, even though HayJae was extending the hand of grace and help to Kinsey to get down--Kinsey was wary. She didn't trust HayJae's words of assurance, either. She just didn't believe the sincerity I heard with my own two ears. Previous action had limited Kinsey's trust.
Do you have someone like that? Is there someone you do not trust because you remember a past grievance? Is there someone to whom you cannot give your hand, even if another extends theirs? You aren't alone. Unfortunately, some folks take it a step further:
They don't trust God.
Something happens in their lives. A tragedy. A loss. An insurmountable difficulty. A rejection. An unfair treatment when trying to do what is right. A betrayal.
Yet, when we are trusting God, tribulations of this sort only prove how much more steadfast He is. My entire life has been wrought with enormous trials. Though not as many as some folks I know. And in each and every situation--deaths of my sons, loss of material possessions, income and health--God has been faithful. He has always been the Person I could turn to. He has always been faithful to get me through every single circumstance. For "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." Psalm 138:8.
God's ways may not be my ways. His timing may not be my timing. But I want them to be. And He knows that. Therefore, His hand never, ever lets go of mine. And He won't let go of yours either. selahV
[© SelahV Today,hariette petersen, 2008]
