HOPE for the Holidays - Day 27

My grandkids, in their imaginary, magical, happily-ever-after "Manatee Forest", 2012

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans...to give you a future and a HOPE." (Jer. 29:11)


Story of HOPE:

        Yes, God knows well the plans He has for us and our children. When I asked the Lord what He'd have me post today, I believe He answered, "Tell the Crucible story again." 

         At Parris Island, the final trial for rite of passage from recruit to U.S. Marine is “The Crucible” – a 54-hour, grueling test of physical and mental strength where candidates travel 48 miles on foot, carrying 45 pounds of gear, negotiating numerous obstacles, and resolving copious problems, all the while deprived of adequate food and sleep!

  As those days approached for our son, Dan, I asked multitudes of friends and family to pray fervently, asking God to grant good weather! God answered our prayers with…a hurricane! Yes, literally, a hurricane crossed Parris Island while Dan negotiated his Crucible.

Omniscient Father God knew what those young men and women needed better than their storm-tossed, anxious mothers. New Marines needed preparation for the hostile conditions of war and NOT a sunny-skied romp around the island like scouts at  summer camp! Later on, as Dan weathered the storms of Iraq, I thanked Jesus many times for saying no to my blue-sky request.

O Father God, as parents, we often pray for easy and happily-ever-afters for our children. But in Your sovereignty, You, Father, know best that sometimes the harder way is for their greater good. O Lord, help us to entrust our children and grandchildren to Your care and trust Your answers to our prayers. May our ultimate aim be Christ-like children who love You and serve You with whole hearts and willing minds for Your glory! Amen and Amen!

"Although He [Jesus] was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation!"

(Heb. 5:7-8) 

(Left: My Dan, the prepared Marine)