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May 10, 2004

“Simplicity of Trust”
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

By:

 Lt. Colonel Marcella Carlson

“Worry . . . is a mis-use of the imagination, is assuming responsibility that God never intended you to have, never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, only saps today of its strength.” (from Be Somebody by Mary Crowley)

The sin, which Jesus condemns in this scripture (Matthew 6:25-34), is that of worry. Take no thought should be translated, “Do not be anxious.” One is not to worry about food or clothing. Life is more than food. Ours is a spiritual as well a material existence. Our heavenly Father knows what we need.

This year in Philadelphia, we will celebrate 125 years of service to God by The Salvation Army. A young girl named Eliza Shirley came to America from Conventry, England. Eliza longed for more than an ordinary life. Her father moved to America to find work. In a letter to Eliza he stated, “Philadelphia is a remarkable city, but, much like London ‘tis a wicked city. They need the Lord desperately. Do you suppose General Booth might consider posting you to America to start an outpost here?” (from the book The Hallelujah Lass by Wendy Lawton)

Reluctantly, the General gave her permission to go to America. He told her, “If the work goes forward I may see fit to call it The Salvation Army and take it over.” When Commissioner Railton arrived with his Hallelujah Lassies there were already 400 Salvationists as a result of Eliza’s ministry.

I am so glad this young 17 year-old girl took a real ‘leap of faith’ and came to America. It was her simplicity of trust that helped her to overcome all obstacles.

There was much that may have caused concern as she started the work. Where would she start? How much would it cost? Where would the money come from? Who would listen to The Message? Would anyone listen to a young girl, since preaching by women was not appreciated? There was so much she could have worried about but she chose to pray and trust God.

We all face circumstances that give us reason to be anxious or to worry. There is so much happening in our world, that it makes it difficult not to worry. As I look at the scripture found in Matthew 6: 25-34, there are verses that stand out, such as Verse 27: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” and Verse 34: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus’ statement is forceful. Worry cannot add to a person’s height, age or span of life. Remember, when we worry we are assuming responsibility that God never intended us to have. We, like Eliza Shirley, should practice a simple trust that ignores the obstacles and challenges that would prevent us from fulfilling God’s will. Don’t worry, pray and your heavenly Father will not fail you. Eliza prayed and trusted God and she was used in a powerful way in our Army.

Simplicity of trust - practice it because it works!