Read: Psalm 42: 11 and Jeremiah 29:11
“Why are you down in the dumps . . .? Why are you crying the blues? Expect God to act. And I will praise him once again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my Savior and my God.” “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Prayer
Lord, it takes a lot of faith to send our teens off to Nicaragua. But we can find such encouragement in your word and your promises. For they’re your children, Lord, and you have a plan and a purpose for each of them. And you have their best interest at heart. Help us to expect you to act in their lives and in ours.
Valorie’s Thoughts
In preparation for my teens’ trip to Nicaragua, we searched and searched our house for our huge red suitcase, searching every room and closet and shelf two to three times but couldn’t find it. How could we misplace something so big and so bright? Then we encountered another obstacle. My son Kal has Cystic Fibrosis. He needs breathing machines that help his lungs every day. We knew he would be unable to travel with his big machine, so the doctor wrote a prescription for a wireless, handheld device. I turned the prescription in to the pharmacy and left, planning to come back a few days before the trip to pick it up. When I returned, they said they couldn’t find it anywhere and I’d have to order another one online and have it sent express to my house. There wasn’t time or money for that. The kids were leaving in 2 days.
I left feeling somewhat discouraged but God gave me confidence in Him. Back home, we had 20 minutes to find that missing big red suitcase and get it to the church to fill it. I prayed and walked downstairs into the basement and what do you know? The suitcase was there on a shelf that we had looked on twice before but hadn’t seen it. I said “Kal, wait! Let me clean out the pockets first.” I looked in the large compartment . . . nothing! The medium-sized pocket . . . nothing! I searched the last small pocket and MIRACLE OF MIRACLES . . . there was a new handheld wireless breathing device. We had NO idea we even had one.
God is faithful. He didn’t allow us to see that bright red suitcase until we needed to–after having our faith tried and tested. God knew He’d reveal its contents (the breathing device) when we needed to be reminded of His love and His provision. His timing is perfect.
Closing Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you are a faithful God, and a miracle-working God. When you show up in the ordinary, everyday things, we know that we can trust you in the big things. We can entrust our kids’ lives into your hands, knowing that you will be there with them every step of the way. For with you all things are possible. Amen
About Valorie (pictured with son Kal)
I am a professional painter and decorator. I have been in business for 13 years and love every minute of it. I am also in the destination/event business and provide “meeting planning” services (greets, transportation) for big companies. I love escaping with music, creating, dancing, work outs, helping others and praying for my beautiful sponsored children, Pwandy in Haiti and Somi in India! I have two teenagers, Kalvin and Rachael, who went to Nicaragua on the high school trip. I am so happy they are back and I just love hearing them talk about their time there!
Valorie: What a testimony of God’s providence even before you left for Nicaragua! I pray for God’s blessing on you and your team as you do God’s work.