Give It to God
James C. Leyrer (Ohio, USA)

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27 (NIV)




This past summer we had some old landscaping around our house replaced. The contractor did a fine job, and all looked well, but midsummer is not the best time to perform such work. The hot temperatures and scarce rainfall we experienced made it a challenge to correctly irrigate the new landscaping. I found myself wide awake one night, worrying about several of our distressed new plants. Was I overwatering these delicate transplants or starving them? After several exhausting hours of anxious prayer and worry, I finally fell asleep. In the morning, I awoke to a steady, soaking rain — totally unpredicted and unexpected!

I have been a Jesus-follower for years, but I still have trouble turning my concerns over to the Lord. My miserable loss of sleep produced nothing but a weary morning, yet God handled the problem — not only answering my question as to whether or not more water was needed but doing the work for me! Like the disciples in today’s scripture reading, I am continually amazed by the way God answers prayer. The Bible tells us not to lean on our own understanding (see Prov. 3:5). If we trust God with our eternity, surely we can trust God with everything else.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, give us the desire and the humility to come to you first, trusting that you will guide our way. Amen.


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TODAY'S READING
Matthew 8:23-27


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
No concern is too small to entrust to God’s care.


PRAYER FOCUS
Gardeners