When I look at the story of God’s people from the very beginning of Creation to my own life now, I see the same story, over and over.  The turning away that Adam did may look different in each individual life, but it all requires God’s rescue through Jesus Christ.  It requires a re-turning, a new turning of our faces to God to be who He created us to be in beautiful communion with Him. 

Satan knows where to attack each of us.  He knew what would turn Adam away from God, he knew what would turn David’s heart.  And he knew what my soft spot would be, as it is for any mother - her children.  I have always prayed for my daughters, for blessings and protection.  But there have been times in each of their lives when I have prayed for their very lives.  God’s faithfulness through these times has been the most precious thing in my life.  It’s not that He has always given what I have asked Him for, but what He has given has been even more precious - His very Presence.  Through the beseeching of God for the life of one daughter, He showed me His desire for me to lay her on the altar before Him and praise Him for who He is.  Not an easy thing, especially for this mom who liked to feel like she had everything “under control,” (an illusion at best, and at worst, a form of idolatry).  But the moment I released my fears, my “control”, God took the weight and replaced it with something astonishing - peace, in a moment when peace did not seem possible. 

This lesson in trust God walked me through is one He has continued to strengthen and refine, it is one He walks me through daily.  Again, when I struggled again over the pain that my other daughter was living through and while the waiting for an answer from Him became very difficult, I practiced laying her on the altar daily.  This time God wanted me to learn something more.  That no matter what His answer may be, that no matter what pain I may be going through, or worse - the pain my daughter may be going through, if I get a glimpse of who He is, of His beauty and glory, I will know that He is MORE than enough for me.   The promise was never that we wouldn’t suffer.  The promise is that we won’t be alone.  

God has tenderly walked me on this trust journey and has shown me how to look for and know His constant Presence. He has shown me how to trust Him through the fear that could have overtaken me this year when both of my daughters were hospitalized at the same time.  Not that it was easy, there were moments of paralyzing fear and fatigued worry - but because He has shown constant faithfulness with His Presence, I knew He would be faithful again - no matter what the circumstances were.

The rescue is always there.  Always.  All it requires is for me to turn my face to Him in submission and praise.  His Presence does not leave us.  The rescue we wait on has already been given, and it is breathtakingly beautiful!

—Cindi Latson

Light: The candle of LOVE 

Read: The forgiving prince, JSB p. 76 (Genesis 37-46)


Ask: Share a time when God turned something bad into something good for you or your family.

Pray: Thank God for His goodness.

Ask God to help you forgive others.

Jesse Tree Ornament: Joseph in his colorful coat

Act: Make something colorful for a friend or neighbor. Tell that person that God loves them.