Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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: Couragebeing 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.

20 comments :

  1. Hi Beth,
    I am so glad your husband is home and you're spending quality time together. My husband's two deployments caused me to value our time together more - we purposely make time now, to spend together, no longer taking ANY moments for granted. Isn't it cool how God leads you to just the right comfort and strength? And how you get to pass it on in your writing? Blessings to the both of you!
    Janet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The time apart has taught me to value our time together. As the day draws near I just hug him more and more. God is really SO good. He is EVERYTHING we need. Thank you for your love and support, Janet. I'm so glad you are joining us here for ThreeWordWednesday. Your posts bless this new community!! {Hugs}

      Delete
  2. This is a beautiful post, Beth. The lesson in your writing is powerful. I'm sure what you have to say to the youth will have a lasting impact and blessing. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jennifer. I pray my husband and I are able to lead them to a deeper trust in God. I hope your day has been wonderful.

      Delete
  3. Praying your words will hit a soft spot that leads those youth to press in tightly to Jesus. Your journey of surrender is truly the illustration of bravery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words, Shelly. We are praying the same. Blessings.

      Delete
  4. Beth, reading your words gives me courage as my nephew gets ready to deploy. I'm sure the children in the youth group will be blessed by the two of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wanda, praying for your nephew and sending hugs your way.

      Delete
  5. Beth - How wonderful that the youth gave & that they will now receive back! They will be blessed to hear & learn about courage from a couple that is a living example! Amazing to see how the timing worked out so beautifully with outline too. I love how Three Word Wed. is a display of Him working in our lives in ways that astound. Thank you for coming up with the idea & for being faithful to host the link up. It is a blessing.
    Have a great Wed.!
    Love,
    Joanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh me too, Joanne! I have fallen in love with this link up. I truly love seeing how God is working in the lives of all of you. It has blessed me so much.
      Much love to you,
      Beth

      Delete
  6. I am always humbled when I visit here by your sacrifice in service to our country. I cannot imagine living in that place, but I am encouraged by your courage and trust in God. I am inspired by how God works in your family and how it keeps you focused on Him because everything else is out of your hands. God bless you and be with you during your talk with the youth and when your husband returns to service!

    Christy @ A Heartening Life
    www.ahearteninglife.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love how you and your husband are a team with this presentation - and life. So encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
  8. surrendering our fears takes courage indeed
    they have become so familiar that they are almost a part of us we cherish
    silly, yes, but true
    the children will be blessed to hear form you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Praying that your words will sink deep in the hearts of these children and bless them. God bless you Beth!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, it does take surrendering to God to let them go off to war, doesn't it? All of my kids are in the military, so from one military family to another, thank you for your service! Great post, too!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Beth! I'll be praying that your prep for Sunday goes well. I am sure that your story will inspire, and I love the memory verse. We could all benefit from memorizing that!

    I think it's great that you have to ask "what would happen if we didn't listen?" because it means you did. That's the best perspective of all :)
    From SDG,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  12. As you said, Beth, God uses our fear to draw us into Him. He is always our safe place to run to! You and your family are being obedient and in return, God is giving you courage. What a great testimony you have and will continue to have as you rely on Him.
    Love you girl,
    ((Hugs)),
    Bev

    ReplyDelete
  13. Humbled by this... Thank you for all that you sacrifice. May God grant you courage and strength for the journey, friend!

    ReplyDelete
  14. It is amazing how God works! I think your time with the youth group is prepared by angels. Blessings to you both and may God shine brightly through you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beth, this is so inspiring. You and your husband have an amazing testimony and I'm sure just as He has through this post, God will speak through your words to the young people.
    Thanks so much for sharing at Essential Fridays.
    Blessings
    Mel from Essential Thing Devotions

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment! I love hearing from you and I read every one. Be sure to subscribe to comments or check back as I try to respond to all comments. I also do my best to hop on over to your blog for a visit.
Much love to you.