A Lesson in Trust





An elderly friend needed a ride to the grocery store. When we entered the front door of the store, I placed my purse in the child rack of my cart. I went one way and he another. We finished shopping at the same time and walked our carts out together. I pulled out my car key from the side pocket of my purse and opened the trunk, deposited my two bags, and moved the cart to the return area next to my car. I turned my head and noticed my friend’s empty cart, and trying to help, I pushed his cart into the one I had used and got into the car.

As we left the parking lot, he mentioned he needed a pair of shoes. I drove down the road to a shoe store and he made a purchase. We then headed back towards his place. After he gathered all his items, I discovered I did not have my purse. I got out of the car, looked in the trunk and the front and back seats, and panic started to rise within me. I prayed, “Lord, help me find my purse.”

I thought about the credit cards, driver’s license, cell phone, even my library card, keys for the house, mail box and shop. The only key in my hand was attached to the electronic device for my car. Then the Lord spoke to my heart to trust in Him.

I hurried into the house to phone the store clerk. I told the lady, “I think I left my purse in the shopping cart.” She asked me what color? I responded, “White.” She asked my name and looked into the wallet and said, “Yes, we have your purse.” I jumped into the car and headed for the store. Soon, thoughts of theft came to mind, but just as quickly the word “trust.” Each time fearful thoughts came, the Lord gently spoke words to calm me.

This was no surprise to God. Even if my identity was stolen and the credit cards used to the max, I can still trust the Lord to bring me through whatever evil may come my way. He never said our lives would be easy. In fact he said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart!” John 16:33. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. “Cast all your care upon him; for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

Buy the time I got to the store I was concerned, yet calm.  I even stopped to talk with a lady from our church as I entered the door.

The lady at the desk smiled and handed me my purse. With a thankful heart I looked in every fold and nothing was missing. I praise God for the outcome and testify that he is trustworthy all the time, not just when life is running smooth. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5 & 6