Weekend Worship—Keep Him Safe

And my God will supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When our son joined the Marine Corps, I had to face every parent’s biggest fear, that one of my children might die. I knew he’d face deployment in the Middle East—that was why he’d joined—and that I couldn’t keep him safe. This was tough, because keeping him (along with my other two sons) safe had been my goal for a long time. And all things counted, I hadn’t done too bad a job of it.

But facing his deployment made me examine my belief that I’d spent the last 18 years keeping him safe. Could I really claim that? I’d given him the tools to make wise decisions, and I’d been around to prevent some mishaps, but not many. Had I truly equipped him to face what was ahead?

That night, while I wrestled with this fear, I realized my thoughts were just another attempt at control. I’d equipped . . . I’d given . . . I’d prevented. In reality, I hadn’t been the one to equip, give or prevent. God had. Oh, He’d allowed me to help on occasion, but He’d been the one who’d orchestrated events to prepare my son for life. It was a good thing, too. I had no idea where my son’s life was headed. I could make some guesses, but so far my track record wasn’t good. But God’s track record was perfect.

           

This verse in Philippians came immediately to mind, giving me comfort and peace. I could count on God’s promises to not only be true in my life, but also in my children’s lives.