Words of Life: An Enduring LegacyНамуна

Legacy: trusting in God.

We had written detailed lists, packed an excessive number of bags, and prepared boxes and boxes of meals. My wife Berri and I were going away together for the first time since our eldest was born, which also meant leaving him behind for the first time. We felt a wave of anxious emotions, but one thing brought us comfort: we were leaving him with Berri’s parents. They loved him deeply, and we knew they would care for him just as we did. As hard as it was to leave, we did so with complete trust that he was in safe hands – though it still felt like the longest 24 hours ever!

We sense a similar sentiment from Jesus in John 17. As he concludes his farewell speech, he offers an extended prayer to his Father. In the first part, he prays for his disciples. Aware of his imminent departure and knowing he has taught them all he can, Jesus does the only thing left: he entrusts them into the Father’s care. He prays that as they are sent into the world, the Father will protect and sustain them. Jesus can do this confidently because of his deep relationship with the Father – assured that the same will be true for his disciples.

The future may hold uncertainty for all of us, but we move forward knowing that Jesus’ prayer for his disciples extends to us as well. God will protect and sustain us. We are not left behind, abandoned, or forgotten, struggling to stay faithful on our own. No – our lives are entrusted to a God who knows us deeply and cares for us passionately.

What do I need to let go of today and trust God with?