When you trust God, you will find He sometimes gives you very GOOD things. This may sound obvious, but it’s not something we always easily believe. Think about it. When someone says, “We’ll leave it (a situation) in God’s hands”, what do you usually think? The phrase is a resignation to God’s will, no doubt, but usually indicates expecting the worst. “Uncle Mort is so ill. There’s nothing we can do. We’ll leave it in God’s hands.” Or “The hurricane is scheduled to hit the coast. We have no recourse. We’ll leave it in God’s hands.” It’s almost as if we’re saying that if we trust God he’ll just bungle it. We must control things ourselves.
Well, guess what? Sometimes leaving a situation in God’s hands produces a result so great and amazing and indescribably wonderful that you couldn’t possibly have come up with it yourself. In my case, “putting things in God’s hands” gave me precious time with my husband that would never have happened had I tried to control things myself. Let me explain.
After my recovery from cancer my husband David wanted me to go with him to California. I almost said no because I was terrified to fly. I prayed about it, and felt God was asking me to go with him. It was the least I could do after all the support David had given me. I took a leap of faith and said ok, telling myself that God would get us there and back. Here’s a little peek at what happened to me when I put things in God’s capable hands.
First, we survived the flight. That was amazing enough. I hadn’t really thought about what we would actually do in California once we got there. I didn’t expect living through the landing. But we did. Once that was settled, I decided a good night’s rest was in order. I woke to discover I had “only” slept in until 7:00 a.m. Then I realized that 7:00 a.m.California time was really 10:00 a.m. Indiana
time.
Alleluia! No wonder I felt so refreshed.
That morning David had to drive to Los Angeles for business. I had planned on going with him. “Don’t come with me,” he said, gently, “It will be so boring to wait for me in the city.” “Well, what do I do?” I asked. “Theresa,” he said slowly as though explaining a difficult concept to a simple-minded child, “we are at a spa and resort.” He emphasized the words ‘spa’ and ‘resort’. “Do what people at a spa and resort do.” “What do they do?” I, busy mother of nine, asked and wondered. My only conception of a spa thus far was escaping to the bathroom, turning on the bathroom tub water faucet strongly enough to drown out the commotion outside, and hope to get to sit, in the steam, with a magazine for maybe 10 minutes. My husband handed me a *menu* of options printed on elegant paper and smiled.
As I read the menu my eyes widened. “Facial, body wrap, detoxifying mud bath, fitness equipment, sauna, pool, manicure, essential oils, aromatherapy, fresh fruit, flavored water…” I was delirious with the thought of the possibilities. “These are expensive,” I began, but David immediately cut me off. “Theresa, fill up your day,” he said, “We can splurge this once.” Then he kissed my forehead and left. At first I just sat there, frozen on the bed. Then I burst into laughter, and,turning my attention back to the menu, I carefully chose a detoxifying mud bath which promised to “rid the body of chemical toxins”. Perfect after the months of chemo! And so began a luxurious day at the spa. I must tell you this. Old habits die hard. Later on, when I approached the pristine private pool, clear and blue, surrounded by a fountain and perfectly manicured flowerbeds and shrubs, I instinctively selected a place near the shallow end, where I could keep a good eye on the kids. But wait! I was alone. I could choose any place I desired. So I turned my lounge chair around to face the bright sun and for the first time in at least a year, inhaled deeply and calmly. The kids were safe and well cared for. I was relaxed. David was coming soon to get me. I was in remission. Life was good.
By the time David returned to take me to dinner I was as loose as taffy. The next day we explored the beautiful town of Rancho Mirage and enjoyed the pool. We went shopping. We worked out in the fitness center together. We played golf and took walks. Like cool water in the desert to a dehydrated man was this trip for us. Praise God for “leaving it in His hands”! I would have missed this precious time with my husband if I hadn’t overcome my fear of flying and trusted God. I simply ask you, what are your fears preventing?
palm tree/mountain photo courtesy of www.travelblog.org