Three Word Wednesday: Trust in Him

My husband and I will be speaking to to the youth group at our church this coming Sunday. The youth group has supported our Military Ministry this past year by donating pillowcases, banners and thank you cards for our service members serving in harm's way. These items were blessed with hand written messages by the children to let them know they are always being prayed for.

Glad placed it on our hearts to give back to the children to show our gratitude. We approached the youth group leaders and we were quickly on the calendar. To help us prepare for our time with the children, we were provided with a summary of what they are scheduled to cover the day we are there.

Bible Story: Men vs. Wild (Joshua and Caleb) - Numbers 13-14
Bottom Line: I can be brave even when others are not.
Memory Verse: "When I'm afraid, I will trust in you." ~ Psalm 56:3
Life App: Courage—being brave enough to do what you should do, even when you're afraid.
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice.

I love how God's timing is always perfect. I'd say it's rather appropriate we are coming while they are discussing courage.

Now that my husband is home, we have less than a week to prepare. What will he say about being brave enough to go to war? What will I say about being brave enough to let him go? How do we both get the courage to do what we need to do even when we are afraid?

In a previous post, I Surrender All, I shared how I need to make the choice to surrender my fears to God. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines surrender as: "to give oneself up into the power of another." The act of surrender requires trust.

My husband has a coin given to him by a soldier in his unit. On the coin reads, "Put on the whole armor of God" from Ephesians 6:11-18. The youth group leaders said the children like when speakers share something they can touch. My husband plans to bring this coin. The coin reminds him that if evil comes he can stand firm knowing the full armor of God is upon him. His trust is in God for he knows God is with him.

There is nothing to fear when we trust and obey God for He promises to always be with us.

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone." ~ Joshua 1:5b

When the Isrealites did not obey God they were left in the wilderness to die and never saw the land promised to them.

"I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times--not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors." ~ Numbers 14:20-23

Why did He fulfill His promise to Joshua and Caleb to bring them to the Promised Land? God fulfilled His promise because Joshua and Caleb trusted and followed Him wholeheartedly.

"Only my servant Caleb, because he had a different spirit and has followed me fully - I will bring him into the land where he had gone, and his descendants will possess it." ~ Numbers 14:24

 "Of the men who went to explore the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh survived." ~ Numbers 14:38

I believe becoming a military family was part of God's plan for us. I believe it's what He called us to do. It scared me to watch my husband and son as they took their oath to serve and protect our country. God used my fear to draw me closer to Him. He whispered, "Trust in me for I am with you."

"Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go." ~ Joshua 1:9

What would have happened if my husband and I did not obey God's calling? Would we, and our family, still be wandering in the wilderness we were once in? I'm grateful we do not need to wonder. Instead, we have security knowing He is with us because we have put our trust in Him.

"Surely I will be with you, and this will be a sign to you that I have sent you." ~ Exodus 3:12a

If God is now calling my husband to be thousands of miles from home to serve and protect our country, we will continue to trust in Him. We will be brave and do what scares us because we know He is with us.

Trust in Him for He is with you always.