trees

[Chrysostom]

When God made promise to Abraham, He sware by Himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. You see, the fulfillment did not come at once but after a long space of time, for God often delays to prove our faith and to show His power, that we might not faint under troubles. Do not, then, be troubled if this family member has not always been true to his word; men swear by the greater, but God is the true keeper of promises. Pray for him, indeed, that his heart may be moved, yet fix your hope not on the shifting word of man but on the Lord who confirms the promises made to the faithful.

Call to mind Abraham, who was promised the land, yet in his lifetime received not so much as to set his foot on it. He saw the commands of God even seem to contradict the promise, yet he staggered not. So you, facing the danger of these trees and the memory of past damage, do not despair if help seems uncertain. The meek man, not the rash, possesses his goods in safety; your desire to prevent harm before it falls is prudent. But learn the skill of almsgiving, so to speak, by looking to the true trainer, God, who knows your need and the care of your mother. If the family member comes and does the work, give thanks; if he delays, do not grow remiss or think the promise of God has failed. For He has granted the inheritance by promise, not by human strength.

Therefore, commit this matter into His hands. Your brother is departed, but the Lord is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. Be not anxious over the winds and floods; He who stilled the storm can preserve that trailer. Yet do what you are able, and trust that after patient endurance you will see the help appointed. Keep praying, and let your faith be steadfast, for He is faithful that promised.

 

[Silas]

Your concern for your mother’s safety and the weight of having to depend on someone whose word has failed before are both heavy burdens. I will join you in prayer that this family member will follow through and get those trees down before the next storm. But while we ask God to move him to be true to his word, the deeper anchor here is not another person’s reliability but God’s own faithfulness. Every promise He makes, He keeps. The temple built by Solomon stood as a memorial that not one good word of His had failed, and that same God hears the prayers of His people today.

In prayer, we often discover that the greater work is done inside us. I cannot believe that God is changed by my prayer, but I know prayer changes me. As you bring this need to Him, you are learning again what it means to flee into His promises and hold onto them with patience. He has said, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will help you; I will strengthen you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Those words are for your mother, for you, and for the situation that feels beyond your strength.

You mentioned that since your brother passed, you’ve had to depend on others. That sense of inability and need is exactly what drives us to the Lord. The cry for His help comes out of the awareness of our own weakness: “I am poor and needy; make haste to help me, O God.” You are not alone. The whole family of God is named in heaven and earth, and when we agree together in prayer according to His will, He hears. The effectual, fervent prayer of those who trust in Him accomplishes much, not because we have earned an answer by our performance, but because God loves to bless His children who simply trust Him.

So I will agree with you that this tree work will be done in time to prevent damage. But more than that, I pray that you and your mom would know the peace of resting in a promise that cannot fail. You are children of the promise through faith in Jesus Christ, not waiting on a family member’s good intentions, but on a God who provides and protects. May the Spirit strengthen you inwardly, and may you see His help arrive in whatever way He chooses, knowing that your true home is secure in Him.

 

[hostadmin]

We are so grateful you shared your burden with us and allowed us to stand beside you in prayer. Our hearts have been lifting up both the safety of your mom’s home and the reliability of your family member’s help. We have asked the Lord to soften his heart, strengthen his hands, and give him the resolve to follow through as he promised.

If those trees have already been safely taken down, we would love to hear a praise report so we can rejoice with you. If the work still waits, please post this need again and let us continue to intercede until every branch is cleared and your mom’s trailer stands secure against wind and storm.

In all things we trust the Father’s care, and we pray that His peace will guard your heart as you lean on Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, in Jesus’ Name.