Trust Me

An orchardist was going through some deep and troubling difficulties.  They were testing him to the point where even his trust in God’s care for him was wavering. Nothing seemed to be going right. The problems were more than he could handle. In an attempt to clear his mind and think through his problems he resorted to a walk in the orchard that meant so much to him. His 5 year-old son had followed him, unaware of the distress his father was in. They came to an old apple tree destined to be cut down. It had outlived its profitablility. “Just like me,” the orchardist mused. “Maybe I’m no good anymore either.”

“Daddy, daddy! Can I climb that old apple tree?” pleaded his son. The father sensed the benefit of a diversion so he stood underneath as the boy climbed, but some of the branches showed signs of weakness. The boy had ventured out on a limb that threatened to break. There was a danger that he would come crashing down. “Jump, Buddy,” shouted the father, “I’ll catch you!” “Shall I let go of everything and trust you?” asked the lad. “Yes,” replied the father. The boy let go and landed safely in the father’s arms. Then the impication hit the orchardist. If I want my son to let go and trust me when he’s in trouble, shouldn’t I be willing to let go and trust my Father for things I can’t handle?
“Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

The father’s perspective changed. The problems hadn’t gone away but the things that really mattered – his relationship to his family and to God – weren’t gone either. He returned to the house encouraged.

Keep on the sunny side,
Henry Wiebe