READ: ISAIAH 26:3-4; MATTHEW 28:20; ROMANS 8:35-39

My husband lies in his hospital bed, asleep. He is recovering from open heart surgery. He needed a new valve, but first they had to break into the rib cage that protects his heart.

My husband wasn’t too excited about that part. But he knew that if he wanted his heart to work better, he’d have to face the thing he dreaded. So, he did. But first he talked with a young friend of ours who was born with valve disease. She has faced this same surgery—twice.

Our friend’s life is marked with a beautiful trust in God. She knows that her Father will meet her in the hard and scary places. And she trusts Him for every day she is alive. When my husband shared his reluctance to face open heart surgery, she was a fountain of encouragement. She said, “Oh, you’ll be asleep for that part!” He pondered her words, and he realized how utterly safe he’d be in the Savior’s nail-scarred hands, even as they picked up the saw and did what needed to be done. There was no need to worry.

When we are consumed by worry about a hard thing ahead, our suffering just gets worse! It’s better by far to trust our lives to the One who holds us in His hands of loving kindness.

Turns out our friend was right. While my husband was blissfully asleep, the surgeon did the work. Likewise, when we didn’t know anything, while we were yet unborn, Christ died for us. We didn’t have to face the punishment that sinners deserve. He did the work for us. Jesus went before us and provided the way for a relationship with Him! And relationship with God is everything. It’s the way we face hard, scary times. Hand in hand, with Him, into the darkness, and into the day. We can trust Him with everything. • Kristen Merrill

• Is there something that you are dreading, just around the corner? You don’t have to be afraid to turn that corner. Remember that our mighty and loving God is right by your side! Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever is ahead of you.

• Do you have any favorite Bible verses or passages that you can take with you as you walk forward? Consider choosing one to memorize. It will serve you well, your whole life through.

• Because Jesus died and rose again, we can be forgiven and brought near to God. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we can know that nothing can separate us from His love, and we can look forward to spending eternity with Him in renewed creation. For more about this good news, see page our "Know Jesus" page.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 (NIV)