Trust & Obey – For There’s No Other Way…

No, I didn’t write those words, but I’ve whispered them, sang them, prayed them, cried them…and actually this was the first hymn I learned to play on the piano!

2017 was a tough year for me. My trust was sorely tested or maybe my trust was strengthened?

On Jan. 3, my precious mother at the age of 89 stepped into the arms of Jesus.

“Not a shadow can rise”

On April 19, my 93 yr. old daddy (who was still mourning the loss of his bride of 65 years) fell and broke his leg…and would be in the hospital for 4 months.

“Not a cloud in the skies”

On June 18, one of my brothers was diagnosed with cancer.

“Not a doubt or a fear”

On August 23, that same brother slipped into a coma unrelated to the cancer and would be in that coma for 3 weeks and in ICU on life support.

“Not a sigh or a tear”

On August 29, my husband got a boat ride for his birthday. He was rescued by boat from our flooding home. We lost our home of 21 years and everything we owned, with no flood insurance (and I remember praying, Lord, take it all, but please spare my brother…for this was when he was in the coma).

“Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

Psalm 112:7 tells us “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.”

I would be lying if I said I didn’t hurt that year or have fear or that I didn’t cry. I cried a lot – I hurt a lot. But each time I cried I heard His voice “Trust me, my child”. I SAID He was my savior, I QUOTED scriptures, I SHARED my testimony…now was my time to step out in faith and truly trust Him. And as bad as everything seemed I KNEW God was with us…we were NOT alone. He was there with me in the hospital waiting room…He took the form of friends who prayed with me or just sat with me. He was there at the flooded house…He took the form of friends and church members who helped us get the filth out. He took the form of a friend who provided a place for us to live for 8 months when we had no place to live. We never felt alone. We never felt abandoned.

In this life we will face good times and bad times…times on the mountain and times in the valley…but in Hebrew 13:5 He reminds us that He will never “…leave you nor forsake you.” Doesn’t mean we will not face trials and tribulations, as a matter of fact the Bible tells us that we will indeed experience those but that again…He will see us through if we will but TRUST Him. Psalm 34:19, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:35

My friends I pray that as you face your “2017s” in life that you will lean into our Father, for He loves you so, and He will guide your steps…He will make a way!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Our story didn’t end in 2017…

We rebuilt our home with the help of our church, friends and family; my father and brother both are well today; and my precious mother is singing with Jesus…

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, for grace to trust You more!