Dad’s TRUST Grows as TRUST in His Heavenly Father Grows
Guest Post by Stephen Robinson
The word I feel God gave to help guide me through 2024 is TRUST. I distinctly remember hearing the Spirit’s “still small voice” calm my heart as I anxiously tried to land on my word for the New Year. Although not even three full months into the year, I have had a few life-changing opportunities to put my TRUST in the Lord. The moments were joyous, but nonetheless, monumental for my father’s heart.
In January, I walked one of my precious daughters, Laney, down the aisle, giving her away to her husband and our new son-in-law, Eli. This was a moment filled with joy, but it also required TRUST.
Questions filled my head as the day drew near, “Where would they decide to settle down and raise a family?” “Would my wife and I still get to FaceTime with my daughter and her husband every Sunday afternoon?” “Will the world be a safe enough place for them to raise God fearing children when they are ready?” I had to TRUST the promises of the Lord I prayed over Laney and Eli during my reception speech.
God’s Promise:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Praying as a family before Laney’s wedding
Six days after Laney’s wedding our oldest daughter Kiana got engaged! Another exciting moment, but one also filled with many questions. “Where would they live?” “Would we get to see them every Sunday at church?” Which daughter will give us our first grandchild?” “Am I ready to be a Grandpa?” Again, an opportunity to pause and reflect on
God’s Promise:
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a NIV)
Kiana and AJ after she said “Yes!”
Our youngest daughter Anaya graduates this June from high school! Phew! What a year! Our prayers for her are that the Lord reveals His plan to her, in His way, and in His timing. Big prayers for my family have me leaning into my word for this year.
God’s Promise:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Our daughter Anaya after her Christmas concert at Ridgeline
Even though this year is only a few months old, I’ve already had countless occasions to TRUST in the Lord. I don’t always get it right. It’s a work in progress. After nearly fifty trips around the sun, I continue to learn about letting go. This simple prayer helps me as I continue leaning into opportunities to TRUST in the Lord.
Dear Jesus,
Give me the strength to trust Your word and Your promises that never fail! Give me the wisdom to trust Your timing and not my own. Please forgive me for the moments when I try to hurry things along in my own time, rather than being patient, trusting Your timing. Would you touch my ears to hear your still, small voice and touch my feet to walk out Your will for my life.
In your name,
Amen
Sue’s Note: Thank you so much for your vulnerable insights and encouraging words, Stephen. Your “girls” are blessed to have you as their husband and dad. And we Listening on the Journey … readers really appreciate you!
Blessings to the Robinson family and all who have enjoyed Stephen’s words and photos,
