Confidence

At best she was six or seven.  Her confidence in handling the hot waffle grill was supreme.  Even as Cherry and I watched, I knew there was no need for worries.  She had it all under control.  Her confidence was based on knowing what needed to be done, trusting the processes given to her by her teacher, and experience.  I looked for her Dad, but the only caregiver in sight was a frail grandmother resting at a table.  In contrast to the adults struggling to accomplish the same task, the little girl was an island of calm.  No stumbling, hesitation, or confusion; simply small steps filled with the knowledge they would get her to the destination.
 
I wonder who taught her.  Maybe it was as simple as trusting in her ability to read, understand, and follow directions.  Whatever the source, it was clear that the little girl had absolute and complete confidence and trust. 
 
There is much in life I don’t trust.  I wonder about my commitment.  I puzzle and ponder if I can trust written instructions.  When it comes to others – ah, I rarely bother because I know there are far too many reasons I shouldn’t even consider trusting.  Even with God I wonder.  What if I am not good enough?  Could my failures of yesterday haunt me today?  I am so __________, fill in the blank with the weakness of your choice, why would Divinity place any confidence in me?
 
The question has haunted many for centuries.  It is hard to have confidence when you know of your weaknesses and failures.  Yet, in full knowledge of whom and what we are, Divinity has called us friends, children, and those who are entrusted with delivering compassion, hope, and mercy to this world.  In this context Jesus words to Peter expressed the confidence God is willing to share with us, and in turn, asks us to share with each other. 
 
“Don't let this throw you.  You trust God, don't you?  Trust me.”  (John 14.1) 
 
Today is an opportunity to express trust in God through our actions.