STRIVING TO TRUST

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. Corrie Ten Boom

Determined to write a devotional, I reached for a past article written for Urban Views Weekly, July 15, 2009 entitled : When You’re at a Crossroads, the Odds are with You. How appropriate for me at this juncture of my life. When I earnestly reflect on the stations of my life, many bittersweet, I shake my head in amazement. Lord I survived and am grateful for being transformed continually!


Yes, I am in a new place spiritually and physically. Divine growth spurts got here. At the time of my July 2009 writing we resided in Virginia and had gone home to Buffalo, New York to visit friends and family, secretly I wanted to return. For many years I was terribly home sick, I longed for a break from the numerous pain filled valley experiences, but blessed events also. Before the July 2009 article was birthed I sat at my dear friend, Renita’s home and marveled at a granddaughter whom I had only seen in photos.


This very busy little toddler so bright and rambunctious had very mature language skills which were matched with her determination and zeal. She zipped around the house searching for her princess clothes. She too was in search of something precious. Renita and I shared and caught up on past and present news- relevant to our lives. We exchanged pleasantries and then got to the heart matters that often surface after we comfortably settled into heart matters that can’t be overlooked. She said something like “Lin you’re living out your heart’s desire.” She was referencing my writing and published work. I hadn't thought of it that way. It just seemed that I was search of what seemed elusive-peace and contentment needed to make my life complete, but yet it felt impossible in a place that was far from home.


Well let’s fast forward, now I am seated at my dining room table in Orlando, Florida with lap top open and writing now for several other publications! I'm prayerful and very thankful-not so out of sorts. I'm expecting and anticipating further accomplishments and trusting that the fruition of what I long for will happen. Imagine my husband and I am now Floridians, feeling at home and excited about the future. It gives me goose bumps as my mind races and sifts through the numerous journeys that got us here. I am so pleased to be in this warm climate, a place of respite that seems to just swallow me in and assure me that change is surfacing.


My spirit is lifted and the heaviness that was so familiar has been disrobed like a heavy wool coat. Not that long ago, I was wondering do we pay the mortgage for this month or should we just pay the utilities instead and try to catch up in the following month? Too much anxiety! Yes, not that long ago I wondered (feeling bewildered) should I pack up my belongings and just retreat for home where familiar surroundings and an assured comfort zone of reliable family and friends could be counted on. But truth be told I would have missed out on the struggles, challenges and victories that were meant exclusively for me, for us. Living and surviving this life is not for the faint-hearted! I believe God is communicating with us this day my friends. As shared initially I thought I would submit an article I’d previously written but thank God I thought better of that! Instead I grabbed my devotional (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) and then referenced scripture (Holy Bible New Living Translation). Here are the words and text that resonated in my spirit. The words spoke to my heart and gave me the direction needed:

STRIVE TO TRUST ME…. “I am sovereign over every aspect of your life; it is
possible to trust Me in all situations. Don’t waste energy regretting the way
things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present
moment-accepting things exactly as they are-and search for My way in the midst
of those circumstances.” Psalm 52:8; Proverbs 3:5-6

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God's unfailing love.

Psalm 52:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

So my friends I trust that your spirits are encouraged that as you look-searching for your things, you too are living and writing new chapters! Go on and live your authentic lives as you trust God’s unfailing love. Troubles don't cease, but your life line of grace and mercy are more than adequate. You will survive! He’s orchestrated your route and has given you the heart to navigate your paths, just be sure to lean on God's truths not your limited understanding.

You very well may be at the cross roads looking over from this to that, but we know that seasons come and they go! Yes indeed change ultimately occurs generally for our good. And finally, connect with some loving souls-new and old friends you’ll be amazed at the revelations shared, that you too are reaching or have reached more of your heart’s desire than you imaged. Be sure to whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior as you acknowledge his omnipotence! Now get where you need to go and boldly strive to trust Him all the more.

Hope to see you at the cross roads!

Writteb by Inspirational Author, Motivational Speaker, Blogger & Columnist: Linda Mose Meadows. She is married to Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr., Pastor of The Episcopal Church of St. John The Baptist located in Orlando, Florida. Learn more about her endeavors of celebrating ordinary days with extraordinary promises through her devotional, blogs, and columns by visiting:



The Blessedness of BelievingA Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises by Linda Mose Meadows (Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007)
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/
Thank you, emails are welcome: blessedbelievers1@yahoo.com
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CHANGE IS EMINENT~BLESSED AND TRUSTING

An evening to recount, aprreciate and marvel God's goodness!

Have you had the opportunity to rediscover a favorite scripture, a sacred journal entry, a favorite poem, a misplaced book, a cherished photo, music you've long forgotten, that one lost cuff link or ear ring? It's probably all within arms reach! Just open a cluttered kitchen or dresser drawer, delve into the contents of that unsealed packed box or simply open and read through several computer files-trust me your bound to unearth some long forgotten treasure.

Well, I too have those encourters continually as I try to purge and endeavor to create my orderly space-I find more things that I just am not ready to discard. I recently revisted this writing Blessed and Trusting and knew with out a doubt, God meant it that way. The scriptures are timely and my spirit knew it must be reposted and shared with someone.

The occassion came last month! I was invited by our dear friend Father Graham to share on a Wednesday evening with the Women's Group of St. John's on how I apply God's leading, his promises and the Holy Scripture in my daily life. Perfect opporunity, I knew just what to reach for! My best example of how I am lead to carve out my devotionals and apply God's word is found in Blessed and Trusting.

That evening with the women of St. John's was confirmation for me on many spiritual / heart mantters that I'd prayed about. We had honest, heartfelt discussions. I read and recounted some of my spiritual journey, some learned life lessons, my Blessed and Trusting devotional and then concluded with an instrumental jazz rendition of Yes Jesus Loves Me. It was a remarkable experience, I mentally revisit that moment and savor that Divine experience. That moment was indeed an answer to prayer! I encouraged all to embrace the realization that God is truly active in our midst. Often it's a gesture or an invitation!

P.S. The wonderful women of St. John's will be incorporating my devotional: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises with their Bible Study. How wonderful is that! Thank you Lord for such amazing events!

Blessed and Trusting

O my God, in you our
fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. Psalm 22:4-5

Much to my surprise as I walked during my lunch
hour, I moved from the pavement on to the grassy area and appreciated the natural cushion under my feet. As I enjoyed the view of the boats docked, listened to the birds happily chirping, marveled at the eb and flow of the water, I realized that the sun was a little to warm on my brow, but that was really ok. I smiled, because underneathe my feet were crunchy leaves. It felt exhilarating to be able to move my limbs, feel the sun and escape from the routine work duties. What I really appreciated were the crunchy leaves.

The leaves signaled for me another change. Another season was
approaching, fall was in the air. My mind raced back to when my brothers and I would pile the crunchy fallen leaves and dive into them, we were serious acrobats. Nose dives, back flips, belly flops, oh was that fun! I am sure we entertained ourselves for hours with the other neighborhood kids. I never remember being hurt or someone complaining that they had hit the pavement underneath the layers of leaves.

So here I am many, many years later long gone are my childhood days, but for a moment I relive that joy of that moment. We were really trusting that the pile was cushion enough to absorb the impact of our fall. Thank you Holy Ghost for that –what cushions our fall now during over ever changing seasons? I pray it’s your trust in God!

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28: 6, 7

I am truly appreciating that childhood memory and understanding that seasons in our lives come unexpectantly nevertheless they will come. And I’d like to think and just give testament that when I believed my journey would result in one way, another episode was birthed. But like you we got through many roller coaster seasons of lack, sickness, sorrow, poverty, plenty, health, wealth, and happiness.

Like you I now understand it’s critical for our mental and spiritual health to study God’s word, embrace those spiritual truths which will result in our maturity-our faith being built up. Does this sound familiar? “If only I knew then what I know now!” Were you like me friends during our seasons of deep despair we couldn’t fathom that the end of that particular season was just around the corner?

In retrospect, I believe we miss the whole point of a particular season whether we perceive it as good or not. There were many life lessons that probably escaped me because I was so consumed with getting over the hurdle that seemed to consume me! Well that was then and thank God this is now.


Admittedly I didn’t value and understand the worth of the valley seasons as I do now. Are you in agreement with me that during each season there is growth and maturity? Our emotions can choke the life out of us!

The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. Luke 8:14

Well, now we understand that we should just learn to have appreciated that life lesson of _________________ (you fill in the blank). Because just as spring turns to summer and summer into fall, if we simply activate our father’s faith, have our mother’s resolve and our grandmother’s wisdom and TRUST that God does save! As
Darryl Coley sings to the utmost Jesus Saves!!! Change is eminent and the Lord will anchor us through all our seasons—if I simply trust HIM- the all wise, all knowing, all loving Heavenly Father!

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you. Psalm 9:10

Come on let’s finish our lunch walk and be
sure to enjoy the changing autumn leaves! Blessings to you!

Joyfully Submitted by
Linda Mose Meadows
Inspirational Columnist & Author of: The Blessedness of Believing-
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/