Know God, Know Peace
How time flies!
This past week we celebrated my daughter Shayla's 18th birthday! I have an 18-year-old! Unbelievable! I miss my kids in the baby, toddler, and preschool years. I never thought I would, but I'm there. They say the days are long and the years are short, and that is actually so true!
Eighteen years ago, I was a 20-year-old newlywed, and I was becoming a mom! To do the math for you, we had Shayla 7 months into being married. Barely enough time to adjust to married life, and now we have a baby girl!
While a lot of this was a blur, I remember the day she was born so clearly. There was a lot of movement from her that day, and I hadn't been feeling well. We actually decided on her name earlier that day, Shayla Raquel. Well, that night, I was in labor. We rush to the hospital, and within a few hours, at only 25 weeks, I had Shayla. She was then whisked away to be transferred to the NICU in another hospital. After about two days, I was discharged, and I was able to go see her.
When I think back, after the rush and shock of it all, I remember the fear started to set in. Going into the NICU and seeing dozens of other families going through the same scary journey was somehow comforting. I realized we weren't alone in this, and it gave me some comfort. We were praying for a miracle, and each day was a victory. Some days were more challenging than others, but I knew that this was out of my hands and ultimately in the hands of God.
During this challenging situation, when things were uncertain and scary. The only thing I knew I had left to do was keep my trust and hope in God. He was the reason we held it together, not losing our minds with negative thoughts. He gave us peace that surpassed all understanding, even with the setbacks.
There have been so many other things and reasons to keep me trusting in God throughout the years. I am constantly reminded that if He carried us through this first trial, then He is powerful and faithful to walk us through many other things ahead. His faithfulness is a continuous reminder to believe and trust in His word and His promises.
There is nothing more challenging than to trust completely. Trust that God is in control, that God is working things out, that everything will somehow work out, trusting in His timing, this list can go on and on. It is not easy to surrender trust. But I continually have to remember that if I am going to trust God, then I need to trust God. I can't pray and ask Him to take control and continue worrying and carrying the burden myself.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
It's His peace; that is what I have rested so profoundly on. When the doubt, the fear, the worry creeps in, I ask the Lord to give me His peace. Our urgent need is spiritual, and only God can provide us with that.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
He doesn't fail us.