Home  ›  Blog  ›  Oh For Grace To Trust Him More

Oh For Grace To Trust Him More

I can’t remember the last time Annette and I literally took to our knees in prayer together. But yesterday, there we were, recognizing our utter and complete dependence upon the God of the universe. This is always a good place to be. Unfortunately, it usually takes something we deem to be bad to get us there.

Yesterday, was no exception. After picking up Vienna and Lincoln from Marrion Elementary, my five children and I drove towards home. But for the second time in a week, the transmission failed. Long story short, both of our vehicles were taken from us in a seven day period. This seems to be the cherry on top of what has already been a very difficult year. As you may recall, we lost Annette’s amazing mother, Dorothy, just a few months ago. If she were here, she’d most likely have lent us her vehicle and taken the kids so that my very pregnant wife could rest and do some research on replacing our vehicles.

God hasn’t given us Dorothy for she is home with him right now. But let me tell you a few of the amazing blessings He has given us:

• Kindness from very unexpected places: For instance, strangers helping move my vehicle to safety. Also, my son’s new Cub Scout Leader offering to lend us one of his vehicles (Annette and I are both back on the road!).
• The reminder that in a couple months, we’ll have the privilege of welcoming our 3rd little girl into the family: Dorothy Capri. Or Dottie, as we’ll affectionately call her.
• An amazing church family who continues to tangibly love us through this season. Just to give a few examples from the last 24 hours: We’ve already received three offers to borrow vehicles (one of which we are using, thank you to Kristin Beck’s parents!). Then this morning, arriving to the office to find an anonymous $100 gift. Then just a few hours ago, having Mary Mills stop by (once again) with a couple bags of our family’s favorite groceries. What a blessing!
• Himself! Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”

Just a few minutes ago, I was encouraged and agreed with Annette when she said, “I’m surprised that I’m not more stressed right now.” While we have a long way to go, I think it’s because our hope is not in money and that generally we are content with what we have. Because we have so incredibly much! What do we have, you ask? We have Jesus! We have a relationship with the God of the universe! He puts His Spirit in us and calls us His Children! He places us in His Body, the Church! He constantly works for our good! (Romans 8:28)  He remains faithful even when we are faithless! (2 Tim 2:13)  He doesn’t leave us or forsake us, no matter how hard our circumstances get. He is constantly loving, teaching, and calling us to trust Him more. As the song states, “Oh for grace to trust Him more.” Please pray that Annette and I would trust Him more as we pray the same for you dear church family!

Pastor Matt