Our morning in the park started with these awesome words from Proverbs 3:5—“Trust in the Lord always and do not lean on your own understanding.” The volunteer leading our devotion time reminded us that trying to reason through decisions with our sinful brains will lead us astray. We must learn to lean on God and His Word—only His understanding is always right! We closed our devotion by singing a familiar hymn: “’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I love Him; how I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus. Oh for grace to trust Him more.” What a precious reminder of the amazing grace Christ extends to all who call Him Lord!

One volunteer was able to celebrate over the softening of a man’s heart today—a result of the trust that has developed between those who serve and those being served. This particular man has been eating breakfast with us for many months and was unwillingly to say anything to us most of that time. All we knew was his first name; he also wouldn’t make eye contact or join us in the circle for the devotion. Each week he is greeted warmly and called by name, with no response from him. Today it seemed as if his shell began to crack. A volunteer greeted him, at first not recognizing him all bundled up. Thinking he was a newcomer, she asked his name—then he looked her in the eye and she realized who it was. After apologizing for not recognizing him, she asked about his week. He told her that it had been okay. This may not sound like a breakthrough, but it is! Pray that God will continue to soften this man’s heart so that he is able to trust others.

We do not take for granted the trust that our friends in the park have in us. We strive to be faithful because God has been faithful to us. Soli Deo Gloria!