How is God using your today to prepare and purpose your tomorrow?

Today’s guest post is written by Amy Armstrong…

My husband is sometimes out of town for the night and when he is, my daughters often want to sleep with me. On one such occasion, I told them that if they could get ready for bed in an efficient manner, I would tuck them in my bed, go to the basement to run on the treadmill for a while, then join them in bed.

While tucking them in, we could hear a storm outside. They were a little scared but I assured them they were safe and I would join them soon.

I headed down to the basement and started my exercise with praise music blaring in my ears. About 15 minutes later I was quite startled when my youngest daughter was suddenly right next to me.

“I can’t sleep,” she complained.

“Let’s go back upstairs to bed,” I said as I stopped the treadmill, took her hand, and lead her. When I got there, it was obvious that neither one of them were close to sleep.

“We’re too scared! There’s thunder and lightening!”

“You girls are safe, I promise,” I assured them. “I have my phone with me and if there are any weather alerts I will see them pop up. If that happens I’ll come get you and we’ll all go to the basement.”

My oldest seemed unsure. “Will you come to get us right away and not stop to do anything else?”

“Yes I promise. It is my job to keep you safe. I want to keep you safe. I will come get you if something is wrong.”

Their nerves wouldn’t let them relax completely but I left telling them I’d be back shortly.

After running a little more, I got to my cool down on the treadmill and turned my exercise into a worship session. I was singing along to my praise music, holding nothing back.

Suddenly both girls were at my side, my oldest in tears.

“We’re just so scared! We can’t sleep!”

“Did you hear me singing?” I asked, wondering if that added to the disturbing noise.

“Yes, and we thought it was the tornado sirens!”

I sighed as I turned off the treadmill again, gathered my things and lead everyone back to bed. This time I climbed in with them to comfort them with my presence and words.

I wondered how my children could have such a fear of abandonment. I have been with them almost every day of their lives, providing for them. Of course, I’m not a perfect mom. I have pinched my daughter’s chin in her bicycle helmet. I have pushed them a little too hard on the swing at times.  But I consistently provide for them physically and emotionally.

As I assured my daughters that I would do anything for them, even if keeping them safe meant putting myself in danger, I began to think of how this mirrors my relationship with God.

He has always been with me to protect me. His word promises countless times that he will not leave or forsake me.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10)

So why do I have a fear of abandonment? Why do I constantly doubt God asking,

“Will you really be there?”

“Are you with me as I step out in faith to lead this ministry?”

“Are you with me as I’m hurting from this loss?”

Deep in my heart I know God is with me.

Sometimes I think what I’m really asking God is, “Are you going to make this easy for me?”

Ultimately that’s what I want. I want him to clear the path ahead of me, making the road straight and smooth. I want him to provide in a way that makes me feel most comfortable.

But God doesn’t promise us that. In fact he tells us that it won’t be easy. We will walk through rivers and fire. But he will protect us, promising that the waters will not sweep over us and the fire will not set us ablaze (Is 43).

Each day, God continues to call me to trust in Him. Some days it’s something like trusting him for wisdom to know when to speak and when not to speak. Other days it’s completely putting my heart in His hands, reminding myself that His ways are better than my ways.

No matter what He is calling me to – whether it seems big or small, each day He prepares me for the next. He is with me, guiding and protecting me on His path.

How is God using your today to prepare and purpose your tomorrow?

Amy Armstrong is wife to Grant and mommy to Lily (8) and Clara (4). The Armstrongs are also expecting their third child, a son from Ethiopia, sometime this year. Amy has a background in special education but now focuses her attention on being a wife to a pastor and mommy to princesses. She and her family reside in Normal but are still trying to figure out what that is.

(The current Preparation series is intended to help you look for, notice, and acknowledge God working in your life. At the end of the month, I’ll give away a free ticket to the Living Proof Live with Beth Moore event in Springfield, IL, October 25-26, 2013. All you have to do to qualify for the free ticket drawing is to comment on one or more blog posts throughout the month of March. The ticket will be given away on April 1st (and it’s not an April Fools joke!). (If you live too far away to attend the event, I have an alternate giveaway and will then pass along the ticket to someone else.)