June 28
The Price
of Trust
“Anyone who doesn’t think carefully believes every word. But a wise person thinks about how they live.”
Proverbs 14:15 (NIrV)
Adeline stared at the email on her laptop screen, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and relief. She had been struggling financially for months, and now, here was a golden opportunity—a legitimate-looking investment promising high returns. It felt like an answer to her prayers.
The company claimed to be reputable, with glowing testimonials and a slick website that boasted success stories from people just like her. Though a small voice inside her questioned whether it was too good to be true, Adeline brushed it aside. “I can’t afford to miss this chance,” she told herself.
She transferred the funds, almost $5,000, her entire savings. For a moment, she felt a rush of hope, imagining the financial freedom this investment would bring. But as days turned into weeks, her calls went unanswered, and the website mysteriously disappeared. Reality hit her like a cold wave—she had been scammed.
Adeline felt a crushing weight of shame. “How could I have been so foolish?” she muttered, tears streaming down her face. She was embarrassed to tell anyone, convinced they would judge her for being so gullible. Her frustration turned to anger as she thought about the people behind the scam. How could anyone live with themselves after robbing others?
One night, unable to sleep, Adeline opened her Bible and came across Proverbs 14:15. The words struck her heart: “Anyone who doesn’t think carefully believes every word. But a wise person thinks about how they live.”
She closed her eyes and prayed through her tears. “Lord, I feel so hurt and foolish. I trusted without seeking wisdom, and now I’m paying the price. Please help me forgive myself and even those who deceived me. Teach me to be discerning, to seek Your guidance in every decision I make.”
In the days that followed, Adeline began to heal. She sought advice from friends and learned how to recognize scams. More importantly, she started praying over every financial decision, asking God for clarity and wisdom. The sting of her mistake didn’t disappear overnight, but she began to see it as a lesson.
Adeline realized that trusting God included trusting Him to guide her decisions. She no longer rushed into things without seeking His counsel, and her faith grew stronger as she learned to lean on Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being patient with us when we make mistakes.
Like Adeline, we sometimes act without seeking Your wisdom and end up hurt and discouraged.
Help us to forgive ourselves when we fall short and to rely on You for guidance in every choice we make.
Teach us to think carefully and to discern what is good and true.
Guard our hearts against deception and strengthen our faith so we can trust in Your plan, even when life feels uncertain.
Thank You for using every situation, even our mistakes, to draw us closer to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
