Trust MeSample

Good Things

Read: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)

Think: We lost the car keys again! While the family continued to scramble around the house, I sat my 10-year-old self on the top step and prayed. God, help us find the keys. As soon as I said amen, someone shouted, “I found them.” Astounded at the immediate and positive response, I began a journey in prayer for lost things. Since then, my prayer has evolved into, “Lord, if it is around here, help me to find it. If it is not, help me know what to do about it.” This prayer represents a couple of things. First, a belief that God is good and wants good things for us. Believing in the goodness of God shapes the many ways we think of and communicate with God. Second, it’s important to release the outcome. Success isn't measured by whether or not the lost thing is found. It is more about the trusting interaction with God. Third, ask for wisdom and trust that God will give you it. Even when I don’t find what I am looking for, I am not lost. God is with me and guiding me.

Sojourner Truth knew pain much deeper than missing car keys. Her son languished in slavery after being illegally sold. With no money and not much hope, she sued for his release and won against all odds. Through it all she prayed because she believed God to be good. She had no doubt of God’s action in her story. She said of prayer, “Let others say what they will of the efficacy of prayer. I believe in it, and I shall pray.”

Apply: How does trusting in God’s goodness impact the way we ask, search, and knock? What are you praying for right now? What would God’s goodness look like in your situation? Practice releasing your expectations and instead cultivate expectancy in God’s goodness.

Prayer: God, you are good. Help me to believe it when I pray. Help me to seek like I mean it and keep on knocking because I know that you

(Audrey Kanagy is a pastor at Ridgeview Mennonite Church  along with her husband, Robert. They are the parents of three boys. She also has a degree in Elementary Education and a background in camping ministry both in Pennsylvania and Mississippi.)