The Soldier

Watching my son line up with his regiment, I stood, lost in memories. I remembered tucking him into bed with his teddy bear. I thought about his running to hug me so tightly that I could not breathe. His mischievous grin lit up a room. Tears gathered in my eyes, but I held them in, struggling to be brave. I heard the sergeant call for attention, and the soldiers turned to march to the plane. ‘I love you,’ I whispered one more time. My heart cried out to God. I prayed that he would protect my son and that he would be open to know God. In my heart, I placed my son in God’s care saying, ‘Your will be done.’

I wanted to protect my son from the dangers of the war. I could not protect him, but I could trust God; I had released my son into his hands. As I did, I remembered the words of Psalm 144:2 ‘He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge.’

Whatever happens, I know God will be with us. We cannot control all the circumstances in our lives, but we can trust God to carry us through the darkness. Because his grace and mercy endure, he will never fail us.

Prayer: Faithful God, may your will be done in our lives today, and may we trust you with all we have. Amen