Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

I'm Kirsten Holmberg, and I titled Today's Reading, In God's Hands.

Turning 18 ushered in a new era in my daughter's life.

Legally an adult, she now had the right to vote in

future elections and would soon embark on life after graduating from high school. This shift

had instilled in me a sense of urgency. I would have precious little time with her under my roof

to impart to her the wisdom she'd need to face the world on her own,

how to manage finances, stay alert to world issues, and make sound decisions.

My sense of duty to equip my daughter to handle her life was understandable.

After all, I loved her, and I desired for her to flourish.

But I realized that while I had an important role, it wasn't solely, or even primarily, my

job.

In Paul's words to the Thessalonians, a group of people he considered his children in

the faith, because he taught them about Jesus,

he urged them to help one another, but ultimately, he trusted their growth to God.

He acknowledged that God would sanctify them through and through.

Paul trusted God to do what he couldn't.

Prepare them, spirit, soul, and body,

for the eventual return of Jesus.

Though his letters to the Thessalonians contained instructions,

his trust in God for their well-being and preparedness

teaches us that growth in the lives of those we care for is ultimately in

...