When Facetime Isn’t Enough

November 18, 2015 | by: Angela Karum | 2 Comments

Posted in: Identity

I’ve delayed writing this blog post because I don’t know what to write about. Actually, the problem is I have too many things to write about. I could write about trusting God – what that means, how that works, how that impacts our relationship. I could write about our feelings of inadequacy and how this gives opportunities for God to be strong in us.

I could write about how God makes warriors out of wimps, drawing from the story of Gideon in Judges, the scared, younger son of the small clan in his tribe who God calls “Mighty Warrior” while he’s hiding out in the winepress threshing barley and who, fearfully yet determinedly, follows God’s instructions and defeats the immense army of Midianites with 300 farmers.

Lots of options – but too many options can be paralyzing. I hardly know where to begin.

But this is where God has shown up in my small story this week. My kids are in Arizona with their dad this year. I’m happy they can grow closer to him, learn more about growing up and just receive from him all the amazing things that only dads can give to their kids. But I miss them like crazy! It’s hard not seeing them every day, knowing how they’re really doing, more than texting, calls and Facetime can provide.

I didn’t even realize I was worried until God asked what’s troubling me. Then it all came spilling out. I’m afraid that my kids won’t have what they need. I’m afraid they won’t know Him or want Him in their lives as they grow up and leave home. I’m afraid the scars left on their hearts from their parents getting a divorce will never be healed. I’m afraid they’ll get hurt in some way – from other people, from their own decisions, from life.

He listened….and then He said, “I love your kids more than you love them. I formed their hearts when I was making them inside you. I know every broken place, every hurt, every scar and I know when I’ll heal them. I take responsibility for My relationship with your kids. I died for them. My relationship with them is a high priority to Me. Will you trust Me with your kids?”

When you’ve known someone for a long time, seen their heart and character over the long haul, when they tell you they care about what matters to you and they want to do something about it, you believe them.

Trusting God with our most precious and deeply loved ones means surrendering them into His strong hands. What is given to Him, He takes -- and all His mighty power goes into the care and protection of what we have entrusted to Him.

He doesn’t promise a pain-free life, not even for my kids. But He does promise to be with us. When you know the heart of the One who is giving the promise -- the good, good heart of a God who is always for His kids -- it’s easier to trust Him.

“He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you up with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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Angela Karum, mother of two teenagers and Florida resident since 2008, fills her free time hunting treasures in used book stores and sipping Nutella lattes with friends. Her compassionate heart and ready smile belie an adventurous spirit cultivated during her childhood in the Amazon jungle.

2 COMMENTS

Omar

Nov 24, 2015

Fear of something happening to our kids is definitely high up on the list of worst fears any human can have. Putting that in Gods hands is huge! A huge step, a huge feat of courage, a huge relief, and a huge proclamation of faith.

Patsy and Wayne

Nov 18, 2015

That's where it's at, Dad just said. He loves them more than we can. Good thoughts and verses. Thanks for sharing.

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