Despair not and trust in the Lord

As a young boy growing up under my parents' wings, I can't ever recall recognizing or thanking them for all they did to look out for, protect and consider all the needs of me and my siblings. I just took it for granted that there was always going to be something to eat, a roof over our heads and folks who looked after us. Not until after I'd left home and started raising our own family did I come to appreciate all my folks did behind the scenes to make sure I made it to my 18th birthday successfully. My life would not be the same without the effort they made to make sure I had what it took to flourish in this world.

In our Bible, there is a similar story in the book of Esther of how God worked behind the scenes to preserve His chosen people when they were in the worst of circumstances. I'd suggest your read the story about Esther, Mordecai, Haman, King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti at least a couple times and note how the story unfolds.

What some would say are numerous coincidences, chance, fate, bad luck and good luck, God's people knew their Father was at work behind the scenes for their good.

After reading the story though you'll note that not once is God's name or names mentioned. Yet His hand and His heart are all over this story as He preserves these people for their calling to be His people. Like my folks diligently working behind the scenes so, too, is God our Father actively at work in our lives when we are unaware of it in order to bring us to a closer walk with Him.

When it seems He is disconnected, out of touch, aloof or has left us on the side of the road in a beat up and broken down life, as a child of God we must ruthlessly trust that our Father has not deserted us.

Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understandings.

In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Bruce Macek is pastor at Newman Community Bible Church, 9230 Sagle Road, Sagle.