What’s Missing?

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 NASB

“The most important thing is who you become.” Dallas Willard

The most important thing: who we become. And this does not happen quickly and comes with difficulty, great difficulty.

My focus lately, probably yours too, is lack. The gas pump sounds like a casino lotto machine! The grocery store may have empty shelves, smaller packaging and abhorrent prices. Do I buy a gallon or half-gallon of milk? The birthday party will be a small sleepover in the backyard instead of a bash at the roller rink. Forget about new carpet this year. Those nearing retirement have lost up to 50 percent of their savings. Some have lost their homes and jobs.

What’s missing?  Over and over in the Bible, our own nation’s history and our humbling life experiences, we forget. We forget who really is in charge. We get “fat and happy.” We forget who truly and freely gives us all things. But most importantly, our faith, our character takes a beating. our Father wants us to become something wonderful through the challenges. Something eternal. Something beautiful. Today. And our Father is not stingy. He said so. He doesn’t lie. “If you being evil know how to give good things to your children…”

Trust. That’s what’s missing. Whatever we see as lack may be an opportunity to become more like our Father’s son. Humility? Gratefulness? Problem-solving? Relationship nurturing? Living for today? Courage? Working a bit more? Be still and know He’s God? Who’s in control? We parrot the obvious, but now the test. Today, let’s trust. I confess, I’m shaky, wobbly, a rookie with trust. Not my strong suit. I don’t ask for it, but it’s required. Our Father cares about what I’m becoming. You too.

Musings

Trusting our Father and Jesus feels like death by a 1000 papercuts. Our Father has the past and the future in his hands. Our purpose is to live today fully and in trust. Like the Israelites stepping into the Red Sea, we step into today and watch with wonder. We are becoming more like his son. We freely give, like our Father, all good things. All things are His anyway.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We have been going through a tough time and anxiety rules. From the shock of what’s on the media to the fear at the grocery store, we abandon trust. Like Peter we say, “Lord save me!” We control, complain and worry. Help us to cast our anxieties upon you because you care for u.s May we continue in your purpose with your guidance.

Thank you. We trust you.

Amen.