Josie has recently claimed that as her new favorite question.
No matter what we say, she responds with the loaded challenge :
"But ... how do you know?"
It has been comical at times to hear those words come out of her mouth in context of some of our conversations.
But it's also been really frustrating as I have tried to explain choices and consequences to her ... and she responds with sincere wonder.
"But ... how do you know, Mommy?"
Believe me when I say that I have had my share of moments where I just want to reply with a firm response like "Because I said so".
Even though I swore I would never be that mom.
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The Lord has revealed to my heart some raw truth as I have struggled having patience with Josie as she doubts me.
I am often asking Him the same question.
But Lord, how do you know?
How often am I the daughter that is challenging My Father?
More often than I would like to admit.
Any time I hear from the Lord or read His word, I am so quick to ask these sorts of questions in response.
But, how do you know, Lord? or How can I know for sure, Lord?
And now I am seeing a reflection of myself in the face of my sweet girl.
It's hard & humbling.
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But, I am also seeing just how long suffering the Lord is and has been with me as His child.
He doesn't struggle with being patient with my doubts and questions.
I can confidently go to Him with my doubt, worry, & fear and exchange them for His wisdom which He gives generously and faith that He will keep His promises.
This season of our life is full of change & uncertainty.
It can feel very overwhelming at times as we begin planning the logistics of our upcoming move across two borders. There are so many unknowns and what-ifs that cross our minds.
There are a lot of times in the few weeks when we have been asking each other, those around us, & The Lord ... "But ... how do you know?"
The same question that our sweet girl is asking us. We have realized in the last two weeks that we are all seeking security & answers as we journey forward!
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Lately, as we have prayed for friends both here & at home, we are interceding for them for peace because they are struggling with the same types of doubt.
Friends who are sending their babies off to school soon ... whether it is to PreK or College.
How do I know they'll be ok without me?
People that I love who are stepping out of their comfort zones into the unknown but sense God leading them to trust & walk by faith.
How do I know that this is the right decision?
Fellow missionaries who are beginning new chapters in their lives with new beginnings.
How do we know that our needs will be met?
Former youth students who are leaving home and starting life on their own away from all they have ever known.
How do I know that everything will work out and I will find my way?
As we all enter into the next chapter of our story that The Lord is writing for our families, I pray that we intentionally fix our eyes on the unshakable truth of who The Lord is & deepen our confidence that He will do what He says He will do.
It may not always be comfortable. It may be scary and even seem impossible at times.
We may hear from Him and immediately doubt or question Him.
There will be a temptation to resist what He is doing in our hearts.
But we can rest knowing that He truly does know best.
And maybe ... just maybe ... Josie will learn to trust our hearts a little more once she sees us trusting His heart & standing on His word.
Because You said so, I will, Lord!
Luke 5:5
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
