March 9
Finding Strength
in Surrender
"Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will take good care of you. He will never let godly people be shaken."
Psalm 55:22, NIrV
Brenda’s hands trembled as she poured her morning coffee. The sun streamed through the kitchen window, but her heart felt heavy. Her two teenage sons, Ethan and Logan, had been arrested—again.
This time, it was for vandalizing a local business. She’d lost count of how many late-night calls she’d answered from the police station. Each time, she felt the sting of judgment from neighbors and the weight of her own self-doubt. Where did I go wrong?
Brenda worked hard to keep a stable home. She’d raised her boys with love, teaching them right from wrong. But as they grew older, they fell into the wrong crowd, drifting further away from the values she had tried so hard to instill. Now, sleepless nights were the norm, filled with worry over their futures.
On this particular morning, Brenda’s sister called. “You need to stop trying to carry this alone,” her sister said gently. “Have you prayed about it?”
“I don’t know if I even have the strength to pray,” Brenda replied, her voice cracking. “I feel like I’ve failed them—and God.”
Her sister paused. “You haven’t failed, Brenda. God hasn’t left you. Cast your cares on Him. He’ll carry this burden for you.”
That evening, Brenda sat in the quiet of her living room. Her boys were out—again—and she didn’t know where. She thought of Psalm 55:22, a verse her sister had texted her earlier: "Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will take good care of you."
Brenda sighed and whispered, “Lord, I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve tried everything, but I’m so tired. I need You to take this.”
As she prayed, a peace she hadn’t felt in a long time washed over her. For the first time, she truly handed her sons over to God. She prayed for their protection, for their hearts to be softened, and for guidance in how to support them without enabling their behavior.
The next day, Brenda took a bold step. She signed up for a support group for parents of troubled teens. Sharing her story with others, she felt less alone.
Over time, she saw glimpses of change. Ethan and Logan still had a long road ahead, but Brenda began to see God working in their lives—and in hers.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and steadfast love, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and provision, knowing that You are always with us, guiding us through life's challenges.
Grant us the courage to remain loyal to You, even when faced with temptation and betrayal. May we find refuge in Your presence and experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
