March 30, 2021: He Takes My Cares

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, NIV).

I have a young friend who has been in jail for 15 years. I went to visit him for the first time 12 years ago. I was anxious, scared, guilty, sad. I taught him about Jesus at church when he was a teenager, and I somehow felt I had failed him because I had not recognized that he needed so much more—someone who would listen to him and someone he could trust to help him make meaningful life choices.

When I saw Mauro, he looked so anxious, nervous and scared. I expressed how sad I was to see him in prison. I promised that I would be by his side, write to him, visit him often and daily pray for him to grow, learn, focus and remain safe while captive.

During my visits through the years, we’ve talked about God, but mostly I’ve listened to him as he’s told me his struggles. I’ve encouraged him to participate during therapy, to work hard while trusting in God—the One who is preserving him and will allow him freedom when he is ready to face this outside world.

When I visit him now, he’s not anxious anymore. He has a beautiful smile, and his eyes are full of confidence and hope. I don’t know how much he prays or how much he trusts in God, but I know that I have given God all my anxieties about Mauro. God cares for him and grants second chances. Soon I will get to see him enjoying life as a free man.

Lord, may I not be anxious about anything because You are a wonderful friend who daily invites me to give You my cares. Amen.

Martha Cecilia Monsalve is a member of the Washington Spanish church in Maryland.