This past two weeks I have spent with my family in Missouri. That would of it’s own have been magical as I watched my son marry his princess and best friend; yet, I cannot fully tell you of the tremendous joy of watching God fulfill a promise made so long ago. Many years ago, as a young woman I sometimes wondered of God’s love for me. It seemed that no matter how much I loved Him, I just kept stumbling. More than anything, I wanted to hear His voice and to follow that command. There then had come a command that I could not fully understand; still, I chose to follow–much like Abraham when God told Him to leave everything to go on a journey through the wilderness to find a land that God had promised. There were great sorrows and pitfalls along this journey that God had asked me to follow. I had told God many times that were it only I, following it would be easier; but how was I to protect my dear children through this perilous path He had chosen. Every time I asked, His promises came in a strong, firm voice; "I, God, will protect your children and will show them favor. I will bless them with faith, hope, and joy. All I need for you to do is trust me and obey my command in this matter."
Hebrews 11:
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
I wish that I could say that my faith was always strong enough as to never doubt; yet, the doubting always lead to prayer. Many tears have I shed as I watched seemingly helpless at times at the sorrows my children faced because I had chosen to obey God’s command. At times I wondered if my own failures would be their demise; maybe, I didn’t understand what God wanted. Maybe I was a fool. Then in these last two weeks, I watched as my dear daughter, Melissa, interacted with her daughter and husband; and, I knew that God had kept His promise in her life. Four year old Natalie talked to me last night about how much God loves her, my heart leaped for joy. She is such a beautiful, gentle child. Ron, always has an inner calm and wisdom that goes beyond a normal human–while his faith remains steady and firm. He has a beautiful wife, who demonstrates her love and devotion every day in addition to his beautiful children. His son is extremely gifted and daughter is a delightful joy. God had kept His promise in the life of Ron. Then, Saturday, I watched as Alberto married his best friend and princess. The entire ceremony was one based on their faith and devotion to God and each other. It was like a fairy tale wedding and love story that couldn’t have been matched by any of those that Hollywood could pretend to create. Once more, I knew that God had fulfilled His promise to me. I remembered my little children, how noble and innocent they were and how proud I have always been of each and everyone of them. They have flourished into nobility beyond my wildest dreams and hopes; because God always keeps His promises by His strength and His power. Faith is never dependent on me or even my abilities, it depends on Him. Hallelujah to the God of Heaven and Earth.