Remember this post? You know, that one post I wrote last September? The one where I shared this:
The one where I talked about how we had no idea how everything would work out for our oldest son at the end of the school year? How we didn’t have any idea what would be best for him? How if he chose college, which one would it be and how would we work that out financially? How there were so many unknowns and what ifs and major decisions to make?
And more importantly, the one where I shared that God was teaching me to trust – like for real.
Last school year was wonderful and exhausting in countless ways. In the midst of it, we knew God had a plan and would roll it out for us in His timing. But when I wrote this post, we had no idea how the story would end. I just knew that it would…end. And that the ending would be good because God was writing the story.
In the midst of the waiting (we all know what that’s like, right? no matter what it is we’re waiting for) – our minds can turn toward all kinds of doubt and worry. We can invent scenarios that may or may not happen and then create all sorts of responses to the made up scenarios.
Unless any of those thoughts are Spirit led, they are absolutely pointless and completely exhausting. When I look back on our school year and how we watched our son learn to listen to God as he made his decisions, I am…
1) Really glad it’s behind us because it was just hard. Good, but hard.
2) So excited to realize God’s absolute promises and His guidance in everything. Everything. All of it. Every single bit.
We should never doubt. Never, ever, ever.
Not sure about an employment situation looming in your future? God does. Wait for Him to show you. Listen to Him and trust.
Not sure about a decision you’re making about parenting? God does. Wait for Him to show you. Listen to Him and trust.
Not sure how you can possibly afford whatever that need is that there is no money for? God knows. Wait for Him to show you. Listen to Him and trust.
Not sure what to do about forty different questions floating in your head about everything from little to big? God does. Wait for Him to show you. Listen to Him and trust.
God never asked us to get it all figured out. He only asked for our faith. If you don’t believe me, go read all the words of Jesus in the gospels. All of them. They will change your life.
And oh yeah – about this post. The one where I wrote about how we had no idea how the story would end, about what would be best, about how we would survive such a major change in our lives (yeah, I know, all the parents do it, but it’s hard and that’s just the truth). Go back and read this.
Then. Then read this one. Seven months after I wrote the “we have no idea” post – I was blessed to be able to write the “well look at that. now we know” post.
There is always an ending to the story. If we’re seeking God, the ending is beautiful. If we’re not, well, God can still work and God is always lovingly waiting for us to turn to Him.
I write this as a reminder. To you – to me. Trust God. Where there are question marks, trust God. There will always be question marks. But there will always be answers because God is God and He is faithful. And because of that, there can always be peace.
Allie says
This is just what we (my husband and I) needed to hear this morning on a number of fronts – I shared it with him. Thank you for sharing – you are such a wonderful encouragement to so many :)
Connie says
Of all the posts you have written over the years, I think this one is my favorite! Great job!!
Diane says
Oh you have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. Thanks so much for the advice. Glad to hear it turned out well for you.
Rae says
I love this. We are living this right now! My husband accepted a new job after 10 years at his current job. He starts on Monday. The current job (at a Christian camp) provides housing, utilities, food when there are guests, phone, Internet, and more, all as free benefits. We live in a tourist destination, so housing in general is very expensive and hard to get. We have no idea where we are going to live (next week!)… But I know God is so good and has promised to provide for those who are seeking Him and His Kingdom. We have no idea where we will be living – but He does!! I honestly have great peace about the situation, and I am confident He will provide just the right solution at just the right time.
Karen says
Oh, Laura! I read through tears. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. We are walking this RIGHT NOW. God so touched my heart through your words. Yes, He does know. Yes, He will answer. Yes, He is good! Thank you. I am blessed to have been here today.
Brooke says
(With tears in my eyes)
Thank you Laura for being a blessing. Thank you for the reminder of truth that we get from God’s word. I’ve been focusing in on Romans 8 the past few days, and the reminder that God is still the same and He loves us so very much!
Thank you again for using your platform to bless others. Have a fabulous week. :-)
Anna says
SOOOOO TRUE!!! And we all know it so why on earth do we still worry. every. single. time?!?! God is so good! BEST post ever! Thanks!
Karen says
Thank you, Laura. Your post today underlined what I’m reading for what I’m reading right now for a women’s book discussion at my church. We’ve read the end of God’s book, and we know that He wins in the end! :-)
Sandy in Ohio says
Thank you! I needed this reminder today!
Frieda says
Thanks, Laura, for this post. It’s just what I needed to hear. I am struggling to put aside the worry and doubt, even though I know everything you said is true. God knows exactly what we need and he will see us through.
Ashley says
Big exhale- yes friend! So true! Thank you for the encouragement!
Conni says
Amen, Laura! One of our five sons just returned from his Special Forces ‘assignment’ in a very active and dangerous part of the world. He was gone from his wife and children (and, of course, us) for months. Each of his previous five deployments to war zones found me growing in trust of God…..the first deployment I felt as if I couldn’t breathe for the nine months he was gone. This time, when the news from that area was grim and I was tempted to be anxious, I would say OUT LOUD, “I trust YOU, Lord!” always mindful that the Creator loves our children more than we can imagine, and has The Plan in His MOST Holy Hands!
Shelli says
Thank you for allowing God to speak to me through you once again that He’s God, He’s still on the throne, He’s still in control, & He’s got this. I just need to “get” this in my head. He’s always been faithful, He has never let me down, & He is the Keeper of His Promises. Hallelujah!
Courtney says
This post is so encouraging and uplifting! So many times it’s hard to imagine the ending when we’re in the middle of a situation. But God is already at the ending. We just have to trust! Thank you for the reminder!!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I do remember how much that post blessed me when I read it in September. This very timely post blessed me tremendously today.
We are facing the same situation with our oldest. The questions are many and the future is very unknown. I’m not sure why the uncertainties concern us so much when we are very certain about our God. I suppose it is our human nature.
Thank you for the encouragement to trust always. In my heart of hearts, I know God is good and that He has everything figured out. I know I need to be patient as I wait for Him to reveal His plans to us, but I also know that I need the encouragement once in awhile. So, thank you, Laura. This is what I needed to hear this very day. Blessings to you and yours!
Kathy says
Tears! Just got back from my run where I was praying and crying out to God about these many issues that are looming and knowing I must trust and obey. Thank you for this. Such Truth. I know it is, but walking it in the hard spots that have been hard for many years is getting old and my faith needs reminders. Thank you!