Ruth, Dave, and Don on our catamaran sail

It was the last night of our delightful stay in Maui. Don and I sat near the back of the catamaran. On this sunset dinner sail we began a conversation with another couple, Ruth and Dave from Denver. It wasn’t long before we realized all of us are Jesus-followers.

Ruth and Dave’s granddaughter is a college student who has long been committed to serving God as a medical missionary. Hannah was quite ill with an as-yet undiagnosed illness. Ruth and Dave were deeply concerned for her; but they also recognized that the illness she suffered would likely give Hannah greater compassion for the work God has for her. He is building her into a strong redwood spiritually. (See this post.)

When my father, and then my first husband passed away, I was reminded that God never wastes anything. Psalm 56:8 says “You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in your bottle! You have recorded every one in your book.” (TLB).

I’m comforted by God’s loving care, His attention to the detail of my tears.

He cares for me (I Peter 5:7).

He will never leave nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  

He promises good and not evil, hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

I haven’t heard from Ruth and Dave since our return, but I pray their Hannah has been correctly diagnosed and is being effectively treated. And I pray for several dear friends who are holding onto these promises right now because of major life challenges including job loss and terminal illness.

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:2b-5.

In what, or in whom, is your trust?