TRUSTING GOD’S PROMISE
Story by: Patty Smith
“We can rejoice…when we run into problems and trials, for we
know that they are good for us – they help us learn to endure. And endurance
develops strength of character in us. And character strengthens our confident
expectation of salvation. And this experience will not disappoint us. For we
know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill
our hearts with His love.” (Romans 4: 3-5 NLT)
Christmas Day 2002, began as always with love, laughter and
gifts galore with children and grandchildren. About mid-afternoon, we all left
our house to celebrate the rest of the day with extended family. I never realized
that my life would change dramatically after leaving my home.
Shortly after dinner, we received word that our house was on
fire. We immediately left to return,
hoping for the best, only to arrive and find our home built with my husband’s
own hands, was gone. This home held memories of births, child-rearing, marriages,
laughter and tears. As grateful as I was that my family was safe, I could not
help but grieve the loss of our home and all the irreplaceable items we had -
such as my scrapbooks, photographs and family heirlooms. Everything except the clothes on my back and
the contents of my purse were gone.
My heart was full of sorrow that day, but I was not without
hope. The Lord brought this verse to my mind very soon in the grieving process:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those
who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28
NLT)
I claimed that verse and trusted in God’s promise throughout
the whole ordeal:
I trusted God for all the essentials He knew we needed. All
of our needs were provided within days of the fire thanks to donations from
friends, relatives, strangers plus an initial insurance payment.
I trusted God through the long, painstaking task of listing
and putting a value on all that was lost. Eventually
our insurance company settled.
I trusted God that He would indeed work all these things for
His glory. Within a year we were back in a beautifully
crafted home built by my husband, sons, and others.
I did lose all my material possessions that day, but I never
lost His Word in my heart. God made a promise and kept His promise to me.
Dearest Father in Heaven,
Thank you for the promises given to us in Your Word. Thank
for your faithfulness in keeping them. Help those who are going through
difficult times to hold on to your promises.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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