October 28, 2024

                    Claim Your Faith

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.– Joshua 24:15

 It’s easy to throw out words, isn’t it? It’s not so easy to live out our faith – especially when it might cost us more than we are willing to give.

God’s people wanted to serve Him. But they wanted to serve other gods too. Today we would label those other gods as money, power, prestige, self. We might choose to serve our church, our pastor, our political leaders. And let’s not forget comfort, financial security, and all our many possessions.

We’re not called to any of that. We are called to serve God. We are called to follow Jesus. Hatred, revenge, greed – none of those things have any part of Jesus.

We are afraid. We’re afraid we won’t have enough money. We’re afraid “illegals” will steal our jobs and our homes. We’re afraid the government will demand our guns and destroy our way of life. We’re afraid of many things and we’re fighting to control it all.

We are justifying evil and claiming Jesus at the same time. And we wonder why our nation is in such turmoil. We can’t believe people are turning away from God. We don’t understand how our actions and our words are leading people to believe that God is evil when He is really only love.

We put our idols, and our fears, above the One true God. We choose to follow evil even as we proclaim that we will follow God.

We are at a crossroads. Will you follow idols? Will you allow fear to dictate your response to the evil we face? Or will you trust God? Will you truly follow Him?

We all have choices to make. Claim your faith and live it.

September 25, 2024

                                     Cling to God

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

– Joshua 1:9

As I write this, Tropical Storm Helene is headed our way. It is expected to intensify into a major hurricane. That means, for us, it will likely be a Category 3 or higher.

We are preparing now. This isn’t our first hurricane. Right now landfall is expected east of us but we know, from experience, that the eye of the hurricane can shift quickly and turn toward us.

Life is like that hurricane. Sometimes we are faced with huge storms not of our making but which we cannot escape. I am thankful for advanced weather detection that allows us to know what’s to come but it doesn’t change what is to come. The storm isn’t going away.

God knows how weak and vulnerable we are at times. He knows what lies ahead far better than anything we could ever predict. Sometimes He doesn’t take away the storm but God always promises to be with us. He will strengthen us and help us as we go through it and as we rebuild from it.

I learned this verse from Joshua many years ago. I had volunteered for VBS and it was the scripture that the children memorized. I hope they have kept it in their hearts. I certainly have.

None of us really know what tomorrow will bring. For some, it’s the hurricane that might take their home and all their material possessions. For others, it might be the life of someone they love, the job they needed or the health they took for granted. But God is there standing with us, strengthening us and reminding us to be strong and courageous.

Bury His word deep in your heart. Cling to Him. God is faithful and He will carry us through whatever is to come.

September 1, 2023

 

Call Out to God

 

We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.

– 2 Chronicles 20:12c

 

I love this passage of Scripture. God’s people were about to face a mighty army that they couldn’t possibly defeat. Jehoshaphat was terrified. He took his fears and his petitions before the LORD, the Mighty One who could help.

 

How many times do we run to God with our petitions and our fears, our needs and our wants? It’s when we have used all our resources that we plead to God Almighty for help.

 

How do you stand against the enemy? It could be sickness, a job loss, betrayal. It might be depression, caregiving, financial uncertainty. The enemy takes on many, many cloaks with one end in mind – to derail God’s people from our purpose.

 

But we are not without help. We have a God who loves us more than we can ever comprehend. He stands ready to help but we must ask for that help.

 

This is what God told King Jehoshaphat: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15b)

 

We don’t have to battle the enemy alone! God doesn’t expect us to. God knows what we need and he’s right there beside us, in the battle, strengthening us and giving us the courage and wisdom we need to accomplish His purposes.

 

Does that mean that God always answers us in the way we would choose? Not at all. Sometimes the answer He gives will break our hearts. But we can trust that God loves us more than we can humanly comprehend. God sees the big picture and knows how it’s all going to turn out. For our good and His Glory.

 

Don’t ever be afraid or panic when the enemy seems to be closing in. Call on the power and wisdom of the One who created the universe. Cling tightly to His promises and He will cling tightly to you.

April 19, 2019

Facing the Unknown

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

She is afraid. Anyone would be. Health issues abound and the doctors, so far, haven’t been able to determine the cause. I pray for peace to fill her heart as she waits for answers and healing.

Many of us know that fear that comes with the unknown. We are powerless, alone, afraid. There are some journeys that are solitary, where your only companion is Jesus. He is enough.

Have you cried out in pain? Have you clung to the cross, knowing that it was and is the only certainty in your life? Have you let His Spirit fill those raw places with a peace that knows no bounds?

Life can sometimes be a terrifying journey but Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans to face the hard times alone. Reach out and take His hand. He’s right there beside you.

December 29, 2018

There Is Hope

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. – Lamentations 3:21-26

Some days throw you down, stomp all over you, and lead you to a path you never planned to take. It doesn’t have to be a bad path. Sometimes change is good. But change isn’t easy. In fact, it can be hard and scary.

Have you ever known fear? Have you felt that racing heart, the sweaty palms, the frantic mind that threatens to consume you? It comes to most of us, whether we admit it or not.

Some people are consumed with fear at the thought of giving a speech. Others turn clammy during a job interview or a first date. Some people panic when they board an airplane. For others it’s a roller coaster or talking to a friend or co-worker about a disagreement.

When life seems more like a whirlwind that will consume us, we can take a deep breath and remember that God’s faithfulness never ends. No matter what else is going on, He stands with us. Our hope is found in Him, not the circumstances of our day.

We live in a frantic-paced world that tells us we must have it all right now. There is no pause button. There is no time to take a deep breath and just be. We have to keep moving forward or, surely, we’ll slide back to where we don’t want to be.

His compassions are new every morning. What does that even mean? God is sympathetic. He shows us pity and concern. He cares about our sufferings and misfortunes. He wants to help us. And therein lies our hope.

It’s that hope that reminds us good always follows the bad if we’ll only trust in God. It’s that hope that assures us God cares about our suffering and will carry us through until the light dawns again. It’s that hope we cling to in the midst of what sometimes seems like a never-ending storm.

Then one day the world shifts and hope dawns. Change comes. It’s scary and right and we are at once determined to grasp it mightily and to turn away from possible heartbreak. It’s that bridge between hope and fear. God is there.

We are not called to fear. We are not called to second best or the leftovers of someone else. We are called to the light, basking in God’s glory as His privileged children.  He is faithful.

I don’t know your story but I do know this: God can be trusted. When the darkness threatens to consume you, when fear gives you pause, look toward the light. That’s where you’ll find your hope.

December 9, 2018

Fear

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

– Isaiah 41:10

The Bible says “Do not fear” 365 times. That’s what the scholars tell us though I’ve never counted for myself. God knew we would need reassurance on a daily basis.

As I write this, a dear friend is fighting for her life. You know how it sometimes goes. A minor procedure leads to major surgery. All is good until, well, it isn’t. She was rushed back to the hospital and all we can do is wait and pray.

Fear dwells deep inside and mostly it is covered in faith. God is good, no matter the outcome of whatever is going on. We forget that sometimes. We’re quick to sound loud praises when the answer is what we want. We aren’t so quick to praise God when we’re afraid of what His answer might be.

But God is still good even when He says no. God is good when it hurts and seems unfair. God is good all the time. I am holding on to that right now.

I know about those terrifying ambulance rides. I understand the urgency in the emergency room, the frantic pace as doctors rush to figure it all out and save a life. I’ve kept vigil through the night, watching monitors, and praying for a healing that doesn’t always come.

And still there is hope. Because God is the Great Physician anything is possible. We don’t have to be afraid. He’s in control. Whatever happens, He’s with us.

There have been so many times I have sat silently alone, leaning on God for strength, comfort and peace. He never left me alone. He was there when the clock moved slowly through the night. He was there when the fatigue was so great I wasn’t sure I could make it through another moment. But I did – because God carried me when I couldn’t take another step.

My friends are there right now. My heart aches for them. I know they are surrounded by family and pastors. I know they rest in God’s embrace, she for healing and he for strength. I understand the fear even as you cling to hope in the storm.

So, I pray. Again and again I pray. Because while Satan is the author of fear, God is the author of peace and strength, of healing and hope.

The sweet truth is that my friend faces a win-win situation. If God chooses to heal her on this earth, she’ll have years more with her husband, children, friends. We’ll all be blessed by her presence with us.

If God chooses to heal her by calling her home, then she’ll wake up with Jesus. Can you even imagine the joy in that? We’ll be devastated, of course, but it won’t be goodbye forever. I am so thankful and grateful for that.

Fear wars with hope. God knew it would be that way. So He told us not to be afraid because He is with us. Hope. Yes. Let us cling to that.

August 29, 2018

Why Do You Doubt?

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

   – Acts 3:16

We ask God constantly for things. It might be healing. It could be a request for a new job or saving grace for a lost child. We bombard Him with requests every day. But do we truly believe that He can and will do what we ask?

James says that we don’t have because we don’t ask. And we don’t truly believe. Oh, we know that God can do anything. We just don’t believe He will.

My favorite movie is Facing the Giants. It’s a Kendrick Brothers movie that focuses on many issues we all deal with. How do we keep believing God will show up when day after day we hope and pray and life still seems to go from bad to worse?

Then God shows up. He always does. And have you ever noticed when God shows up He does it in a big way? In the movie, the underdog team that wasn’t supposed to have more than a mediocre season ends up winning the state championship. The coach who was on the verge of being fired, gets a pay raise and job security. And the coach and his wife, who are facing infertility end up pregnant.

Let’s continue: the soccer player turned kicker, who doesn’t believe he can do it, makes the winning field goal. Did you catch that? He didn’t believe he could. But the coach asked him if he believed God could help him make that kick. Well, of course. It’s what all of us would say. The coach tells the player to go out there and give it everything he’s got and trust God with the rest.

God can and will do anything for His children. But we have to ask. We have to show up and try. And we have to believe in His goodness to know that He loves us and truly wants only good for us.

We keep waiting for the miracle before we start forward. God is saying trust Him, start moving and know that He is there and will use whatever is going on for our benefit and His glory.

In this passage of Scripture, a man who was lame from birth asked Peter and John for money. Peter demanded that the man look at them, then he told the man they didn’t have money to give him but “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” and then he helped the man up.

Everyone saw the man walking and praising God. They were amazed at the miracle. Peter asked them why they were so surprised. He then reminded the crowd that they’d handed Jesus over to be crucified but God raised Jesus from the dead. It is Jesus who made the man strong. It is Jesus who makes us strong.

What would happen if we stopped doubting God’s goodness and trusted that He would see us through whatever we’re facing? What would happen if we stepped out in faith and trusted that God would lead us down the right path instead of holding back in fear and doubt?

There are days when your faith probably burns like fire and you are on that mountain top ready to take on anything you face. And then there are days when you’re likely cowering back, afraid to try, afraid to change, afraid to believe. Step out in faith anyway. Just reach out and put your hand in His and trust in Him. God loves you. God is good. When you don’t trust in anything else, trust in that.

July 31, 2018

What Do You Fear?

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

– Isaiah 41:10

What are you afraid of? Oh, come on. Everyone is afraid of something. It might be a snake or a spider. It could be having one of your children or your spouse get hurt. It could be financial loss or a fire. It could be needles or hospitals or driving on the interstate.

Fears don’t have to be rational. Indeed, most aren’t. But they are real. Their impact on our lives is real. That pounding heart inside of you is real.

Last year a sweet friend was rushed to a hospital almost three hours from home. She was fighting serious health issues and struggling to carry her baby to term. Did I mention she is terrified of needles?

I was appalled at the attitude of some of the healthcare workers. They had no sympathy. None. Did she absolutely have to have blood drawn and IV lines? Yes. But a little kindness and compassion would have gone a long way toward keeping her calm and keeping her blood pressure down. Thankfully, a nurse suggested a PICC line and that solved the issue.

I don’t have a fear of needles but I am terrified of snakes. Her fear of needles would be like someone holding a snake and coming toward me. It wouldn’t matter if it was a moccasin or a rat snake. I would be terrified.

Some fears we have from childhood on throughout life. Some fears we get over as we age. Other fears come later in life. And some fears we’re able to work through and reach the other side.

A sweet friend lost her teenage daughter in a car wreck. Her daughter was a passenger in another vehicle. Now, just imagine how hard it was for her to let her younger daughters ride in any vehicle but her own. Imagine how hard it was to teach them to drive, to hand over the car keys, to let them leave her side. Her fear, grounded in a very sad truth, was still fear that could have destroyed so much if she had let it.

Sometimes we have to meet our fears head on. We can’t be the people
God called us to be unless we do. Are you afraid of failure? Are you afraid of success? Are you afraid of change? They can all be stumbling blocks to the best that God has planned for us.

I love this verse from Isaiah. I use it whenever I am afraid, frustrated, uncertain. It reminds me that God is with me always. He never leaves me to face my fears alone. He doesn’t leave you either.

Life is full of fear and uncertainty. It doesn’t matter who you are or how in control you think you are. The one thing we can count on is God. Just like the Mom or Dad who runs to their child when he cries out in the middle of the night, God runs toward us. He pulls us close. He reassures us of His Presence. He calms us in the storm of fear. When fear tightens its clammy hands on you, cry out to God. He’s got you.

June 17, 2018

God Always Helps Us

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper.

– Psalm 118:6-7a

I was beginning to think she was never going to have that calf. Until she did. Naturally, being a new mother and a little bit unsure of it all, she forgot where she’d left it. And, naturally, she expected me to locate the tiny little bundle of joy.

At first, she believed she’d left the calf in the area we call the branch. It’s an overgrown section that borders one side of the pond. It houses two streams and all the runoff from a nearby highway. Did I mention it is also the home of moccasins? I am terrified of snakes.

I do some of my best praying when duty calls me to that area of the farm. I rarely see a snake until after it has seen me. If I’m to avoid a close encounter, it is up to God to protect me. I’ve flunked that test too many times to count. It is all on His shoulders. I repeatedly remind Him of this as I go through the area.

That’s the thing about God: He never leaves us alone. He’s my constant companion and my very best friend. He always has time to listen and provide help. Searching for a newborn calf is like trying to find that needle in a haystack. I’m sure you’ve heard that cliché. And God was right there with me during every terrifying step.

As it happens, the calf wasn’t in the branch. Nor was he in the upper pasture as the cow next believed. She stood there bellowing, beyond distraught. I wanted desperately to remind her that a good mother wouldn’t have left her newborn calf alone. I didn’t. She was upset enough without my input.

I wonder if God thinks that about us sometimes. Does He ever look down at His distraught children begging for His help and want to remind us that we’re in that predicament because we made a bad choice? How frustrated God must get with us.

Of course, God never turns us away. He may let us learn a hard lesson but He stays right beside us on the journey. God always helps us make a better choice. If we’ll listen.

I didn’t abandon the desperate cow either. Her baby calf emerged and he and I headed across the pasture toward his still bellowing mama. She was so full of anguish that she refused to see him toddling toward her.

Finally, she quieted down and gave a low call. The baby hurried forward and started sucking. She wasn’t overly happy about that and danced around a bit. But the baby was determined and, well, she knew it was the right thing to do. I watched, glaring occasionally, to make sure the baby got plenty of nourishment.

Afterwards, the baby toddled around and she followed, occasionally glancing longingly at the cows on the other side of the property. I knew she’s end up repeating the same mistake, leaving her baby so she could rejoin the herd. Some of us are like that. We need to make the same mistake again and again before we finally learn the lesson God wants to teach us.

I drove mama and baby around to the herd. And then I shut the gate. I didn’t want a repeat the next day.

Sometimes God does that for us. He blocks us from making the same mistake again, teaching us to rely on His wisdom until we can grow enough in faith to make wiser choices. Through it all, God remains steadfast. He is our helper. He is the One who loves us enough to never give up, no matter how many times we take a wrong turn.

June 1, 2018

Why Are You Afraid?

Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since your have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

We are good at excuses, aren’t we? God says to go and we respond with “but” and proceed to list all the ways what He’s called us to do will never work. It’s just common sense, we explain. It can only end in disaster, we assure Him.

He, of course, is Almighty God. Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing is impossible with Him. But, truthfully, we really don’t trust Him with the unknown. How many blessings do we miss because of that?

Moses was afraid to confront Pharaoh. He gave God excuse after excuse. God rebuked every excuse. God finally agreed that Moses’ brother Aaron could help Moses. Do you think that hurt God? He had called Moses to greatness, to lead His people to freedom, but Moses didn’t trust that God would give him the words and protect him on the journey.

We’re no different. We want to step out in faith. We really do. But there’s that pull of comfort and what we know. Satan whispers that God’s plan will never work. People around us tell us we’re foolish or lazy or destined for disaster. So we sink back into what we see and miss what could have been.

What is your dream? Do you want to go back to school and become a teacher? Do you want to stay home with your children but you just know your family could never survive on one income? Do you want to start an after-school outreach program? Are you feeling led to begin a new Bible study? Maybe you feel drawn to include your elderly neighbor in a weekly meal? I could go on and on because there are just so many ways God speaks into our hearts.

But none of that matters if we choose to sit on the sidelines. Nothing will ever change unless we step up and step out in faith.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Do you want to be the person who, at the end of his life, looks back and sees all the things he wished he had done. Do you want to end your life regretting missed opportunities? Do you want to stay comfortable and miss the blessings true faith brings?

The Bible tells us repeatedly not to be afraid. Scholars who count such things say He tells us that 365 times. One “do not fear” for each day of the year. Do you think God believes it’s important?

I wonder if sometimes we say no because we’re afraid God might lead us on a path we never wanted? What if the life God has planned for us is totally different from the life we had planned for ourselves?

And what if that life is better than anything you ever could have imagined? Will you be faithful enough to find out? What are you afraid of?

April 4, 2018

Peace In The Midst of Turmoil

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Life has a way of getting out of control rather quickly, doesn’t it? One minute it seems that we’re in control, everything is going our way, then it all seems to fall apart without even a moment of warning.

A sweet friend wrecked her almost new car. Another friend did everything right but that didn’t stop the cancer diagnosis. Someone else faces another surgery because of infection. There’s a new group of people losing their jobs because of a store closing. Life, as they say, happens.

There is the co-worker who took credit for our idea. There’s the family member lashing out in jealousy. The spouse who has been unfaithful. The child who uses drugs, is being bullied at school or both. There’s the neighbor who is too loud or the fellow church member who wants to monopolize our time. We are overwhelmed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the drama, isn’t it? We can’t see a way out and panic fills us up in that deep place inside. We say all the right things. We smile as others try to encourage us. We pray frantically for a solution. And we worry like it all depends on us.

It’s so very easy to lose sight of Jesus. Our eyes dart from one issue to another. We race to keep up with all the demands. We cry out to God as we frantically race from one catastrophe to the next. What are we supposed to do with all these things, these chores, these people, on our plates?

Give it to Jesus. That sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just hand it over and walk away. Except we don’t do that. We say we’re handing it over, and maybe we do for a short time, then we take it back again. Deep inside we just don’t trust God to take care of it all. We don’t trust Him to do things the way we think they need to be done. We aren’t really sure He’s dependable and that He’ll take care of us like He promised.

We get overwhelmed when we move our eyes from Jesus to the world around us. We become frantic when we believe deep in our hearts that it all depends on us. We may say He’ll take care of it, but our hearts don’t really believe it’s true. Our panic gives witness to that.

Years ago I learned the secret to combatting those terrors that come in the quiet of the night. You know what I’m talking about. They’re the fears that keep you awake, the mind that won’t stop worrying about situations and people. Do you want to know my secret? Reading the Bible. It doesn’t seem to matter what passage or verse. It’s about seeking Him above all else. It’s about quieting your mind with His Word.

There’s a saying that I see sometimes on Facebook. It says that sometimes God quiets the storm and sometimes He quiets His child. I’m not sure who first said it but it sure is true. Do you want to know God’s peace? Seek Him out. Do you want to believe when you can’t see the way? Ask Him to strengthen your faith.

A sweet friend told me recently that she admired my strength. I had to laugh at that. I’m not strong at all. At least, I don’t feel that way. But I trust in Jesus. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I rest in His love, even when I can’t feel it. I trust in His truth, even when the way seems dark and I am afraid.

I cling to His promises, keeping my eyes fixed on the One with all the answers. It’s a struggle sometimes but that is where my strength and my peace come from. Somehow life doesn’t seem so hard when my focus is the God who created the universe. He can do anything. And He loves me. On hard days that’s really all I need to know.

February 18, 2018

Words Have Consequences

And the tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. -- James 3:6-10a

She was terrified of him, convinced deep inside that he would kill her or hire someone to kill her. No amount of reassurance could convince her otherwise.

She had baited the lion with harsh words and he had risen up, his focus on destroying her and all those who cared for her.

Words get away from us sometimes. They cause more havoc than we ever imagined. The consequences reverberate over and over, until there is nothing left but anger and hatred. Pure evil stands watch over those God has vowed to protect.

She had the locks on all her doors changed. She slept with a baseball bat beside her bed. She lay awake at night, listening for the slightest sound that might indicate an intruder. Fear was her constant companion.

Yet, God tells us not to be afraid. He stands watch over us. How hard it is to rest in that truth! Life deals us blows we could never imagine and we cower behind what His word for a comfort that never seems to completely satisfy.

Words are powerful and they can never, ever be unsaid. They spew forth from hearts that are hard and angry, vicious and cruel. Words make promises, whether they are ever intended to be kept or not. Words destroy forever what could have been.

One of the hardest things I’ve ever done is forgive someone who wasn’t sorry. That’s one of those Pinterest things that periodically makes its way around Facebook. It’s true. But we forgive for ourselves, not for those who damaged us with their words and actions. We forgive so that we can go on without forever being consumed with brokenness.

Our words make us feel righteous and justified. Neither is the case. Angry, hurtful words are just that. There is no love or kindness that can cover what words have destroyed.

A sweet friend is trying desperately to rebuild her marriage. Words, spoken in a moment, have created a wedge that no apology can penetrate. Forgiveness is easy to say but harder to do. Impossible really without God’s help.

Watch your words. They can never be unsaid. And, sometimes, the consequences can never be undone.

June 8. 2016

Give Fear To God

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-- Isaiah 41:10

Fear. Have you ever felt it deep in your soul? Do you know what it’s like to lie awake at night, worried about things that might come? Have you sat alone in a hospital waiting room, terrified, begging God for help?

The Bible tells us 365 times not to fear. I’ve never counted the words myself but I trust all those who have. One verse for each day of the year. God knew we would have trouble with fear.

It is a sin. How many times have I told myself that? Fear reveals a lack of faith in God’s ability or willingness to handle a situation. Fear means we don’t trust Him to look after us. Fear means we’re worried about things we can’t control rather that trusting to Him whatever happens.

I wish I had a magic wand to make fear disappear. Wouldn’t we all like that? Because if you’ve lived long enough, you know that terrifying grip that can wreck your peace faster than anything.

I’ve learned a great deal about taking it to God. There’s no point in trying to hide it. He knows anyway. I share with Him my concerns and try to leave it at His throne. I say try because my gut instinct is to take it back. Again and again I battle. Again and again I war within myself.

The thing about fear is that it challenges us to live in the moment. I can’t predict what might happen tomorrow. I can’t. No amount of planning will prepare me for what can happen. Anyone who has ever sat in a hospital emergency room while doctors, nurses and techs worked to save a loved ones’ life knows that plans aren’t really dependable.

It’s not that we should just kick back and do nothing. It’s important to save and work hard and to prepare as best we can. But it’s also important not to worry about what tomorrow might bring. Chances are all those imagined scenarios will never come to pass. And if they do? Well, we couldn’t stop them anyway.

I’ve learned a lot about trusting God. Ironically, as my distrust for others has grown so has my trust in God. He’s the One I’ve learned to hold on to.

I’m still fearful sometimes. I cry out in hurt and anger and my mind races with things that might happen. But I’ve learned to run to Him and ask Him to calm the storm raging inside of me.

I could never have predicted some of the things that have happened in my life. I could never have imagined the depth of betrayal and the lies that Satan aimed my way. But I learned a lot too. God is faithful to hold me close and protect me from whatever life flings my way.

May 22, 2016

Wait For God’s Timing

As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. -- 1 Samuel 13:7-9

Saul was under a lot of pressure. He was facing a crucial battle and his people were afraid. And where was Samuel? The priest was supposed to arrive any time but where was he?!

So Saul did what many of us would do under those circumstances: He took matters into his own hands and offered the sacrifice himself rather than waiting for the priest.

It was a bad, bad move. Saul meant well. He did. But good intentions didn’t erase the fact that Saul had disobeyed God and violated His law.

Then, to make matters worse, Saul tried to blame it on his people for scattering and Samuel for not coming earlier. That’s also something we’re prone to do. Sometimes it’s really hard to admit when we’ve made a mistake.

Today’s sermon was on naming the sin so that we can deal with it. When we don’t actually admit what we’ve done, we can’t get past it. We can’t deal with it.

That’s one of the first things people in recovery learn. And by recovery I don’t just mean drugs and alcohol. It could be someone suffering from overeating or depression. It could also be jealousy or envy. The key is that no one can heal until we admit that we have a problem.

It’s also harder to forgive someone who won’t admit what he’s done. Saul wanted to point fingers. Yes, his people were scattering because they were afraid. Yes, he was facing a crucial battle and was concerned he would lose his army before it started. And, yes, Samuel ended up arriving later than Saul expected. That’s a lot of pressure, even for a king.

But it’s when pressure hits that our true character comes forward. Saul didn’t trust God. He didn’t. Because if he had, Saul would have known God would send the priest to provide an offering before the battle. Saul knew Samuel was coming. His only task was to wait.

We’re not good at waiting for God’s timing. In this instant society, we want results now. We fail God when we don’t wait for His timing.

Good intentions done the wrong way are still wrong. Denying that, pointing fingers, doesn’t change that simple fact. Wait for God. Follow His direction. Then watch His blessings freely flow.

May 16, 2016

Listen For Jesus’ Voice

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. -- John 10:27-28

Goosie was distraught. I heard her as soon as I opened the back door. Her friend, her buddy, her companion, was gone. Probably a coyote had struck during the night.

I began talking to her and she calmed down. She knows my voice. She knows that I feed her twice a day. She knows that she is safe with me.

That’s how it is with Jesus. As believers, we know His voice. He will calm us, His children, if we will let Him. We are safe with Him.

Have you ever been afraid? The other day our pastor asked for folks to tell what excites them and what frightens them. Some of the answers were what you would expect. Grandchildren and adventures were high on the excitement list. Flying and disappointing God or those we love topped the list of what frightens us.

Our pastor admitted that he’s afraid of being at his house alone. He and his wife have four children. There is always somebody around. And when there isn’t, well, that’s unsettling.

But for us there is somebody always around. His name is Jesus and He never, ever leaves us alone. When your mind won’t quiet itself in the night, He is there. When you’re driving a lonely stretch of road, He is there. When you’re afraid of people trying to hurt you, He is there. Always. He is there.

What are you afraid of? Losing someone suddenly. I’ve been there. So was Jesus. Losing your job? I’ve been there. So was Jesus. Getting sick? I’ve been there. So was Jesus.

There is no place we can go, nothing we can experience, where He won’t be by our side.

That includes the good stuff too. We sometimes forget about Jesus when things are going well, don’t we? We don’t notice His Presence. We don’t include Him in our celebration, our joy.

Why is that? Maybe because we don’t think we need Him. We do. I do. I need Jesus to be there celebrating with me, enjoying the sunset with me, laughing at the antics of the dogs or geese with me.

We got nine new geese to join Goosie on the pond. I don’t want her to be alone. I’ve already started talking to them. They are learning to listen for my voice. Just as I have learned to listen for Jesus’ voice. What about you? Jesus is calling you. Do you hear Him?

May 2, 2016

Safety Comes With Jesus

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-- Isaiah 41:10

There’s a lot to fear in this world. I know. We’re not supposed to be afraid. It shows a lack of trust in God. Yet fear remains.

I think the reason we are told not to be afraid -- like 365 times -- is because God understood we would have a problem with fear. He wanted to reassure us that He is near and in control.

Fear can be about so many different things. Every day I pray for a baby I do not know, a tiny little guy fighting for his life in Boston. He’s only five months old and has already dealt with so many health issues. I can’t imagine the fear his parents feel, fear that they will lose him, fear that there won’t be enough money to sustain them as they stand vigil so far from home.

So I pray, as do countless others. Because I know that God is there with them. I know that God will carry them through this unknown journey.

An elderly couple in a neighboring county were recently targeted, assaulted, robbed. Finally, the men have been arrested. But where is our sense of security? When did things like that begin happening in rural areas where most everybody knows everybody else?

Maybe these things have always happened. It’s just that now, because of instant news access and social media, we just know so much more. Sometimes that it good. Sometimes it isn’t.

Another sweet couple struggled after both of them lost their jobs. They were within one payment of losing their home. Their kids were afraid, asking their parents where they would live. Finally, one of them got a job and their home was saved.

The fear remains deep inside. They’ve learned that you can do everything right -- no credit card bills, no debt beyond a mortgage, savings to last a few months -- and still have your financial world fall apart. They never expected both of them to be laid off at the same time. They never expected to have so much trouble getting another job. They know it could happen again.

And, yet, God is ever present. The couple with the baby? An anonymous donor paid the $25,000 cost to fly their son -- on life support at the time -- to the special hospital he needed for surgery.

A reason to smile, to hope, to believe, in the midst of a fallen world. God is with us. Yahweh. Lord. Savior. King. Jesus wins. We’re safe because we rest in His arms.

January 16, 2016

Trust God With The Unknown

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. -- Psalm 34:7

What are you afraid of? Come on. Everyone is afraid of something. Not all fear is life or death. Most fear it seems comes from the little things we face each day.
I heard someone say not long ago that God doesn’t much care who wins the game or who passes the test or about any of the other little things in our lives. Excuse me? This is the God who has numbered the hairs on our heads. He cares about everything that involves His children.
He knows you’re afraid you’ll get laid off from your job. He’s with you. He doesn’t promise you won’t lose your job. He does promise to help you and sustain you. He promises He will turn it in to something good.
He knows you’re afraid of those medical test results. He doesn’t promise they will turn out good. He does promise to help you and guide you and strengthen you no matter how they turn out. And He promises to use it to draw you closer to Him.
We are afraid of the unknown. We forget that He sends His angels to help us. We forget that God protects His children. We forget that those who fear -- revere and worship -- God are those He protects.
When we are afraid does that mean we don’t trust God Almighty to handle whatever “it“ is? Or maybe it’s because we know He will sometimes allow bad things to happen so He can teach us and strengthen our faith. That’s scary until we remember that He only wants good things for us.
If we truly understood how much God loves us, we would never be afraid. We would never worry. We would stand on faith, on who He is. So don’t fear the unknown. Trust Him. Big or small, God’s got this.

January 9, 2016

Hope Always In God

As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

-- Psalm 71:14

What are you secretly hoping for? You know what I’m talking about. That one thing you’re afraid to ask God for. Not that He can’t do it. Because you know that He can do anything. But what if He says no? Then what?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, -- Ephesians 3:20

Why are we afraid? Do we think maybe our request isn’t in alignment with His will? Do we feel selfish? Unworthy? Maybe a little bit of it all?

All these questions and where are the answers? On our knees. Being honest with a God who knows about it anyway. He knows us. He loves us. He wants only good things for His children.

His children. We are His children. That’s a scary thought sometimes. Not because of Him but because of the earthly fathers who have left their scars on our souls. Because of the families that are torn apart by greed and jealousy and hurts that can never be healed without His direct intervention.

And we are afraid to ask Him to heal our deepest hurts. To provide our secret desires. To make a way when no way seems possible. All around us the world says there’s just no way. Who are we to believe?

We are God’s children. We have a hope that is not of this world. We have a Father who created the world. He is greater than any enemy you could ever face. He can do anything and He wants good things for His children. Hold on to that.

Go boldly before His throne. Fall down on your knees with praise and thanksgiving. Present your requests to God. Let His peace surround you. Bathe yourself in His love. And hold on tightly to hope that can only be found in Him. (Philippians 4:6-7)

November 9, 2014

The Black Hole of Fear

 

Do not fear for I am with you;

Do not be dismayed for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-- Isaiah 41:10

Fear is like a black hole, swirling and pulling me deeper into its darkness. It's what happens when I focus on an unclear future rather than the One who holds it securely in His hand. Do you know what I mean?

This Scripture verse is one that I repeat over and over, like a mantra echoing in my mind. It reminds me that my God is bigger than anything I face. My God has good plans for me. My God will protect me from the unknown forces that would harm me.

Life can be scary, can't it? A co-worker on his lunch break was injured in a motorcycle accident. Stress sent another friend to the hospital. Someone else faces a possible job loss. Economic troubles hound many.

Fear has always been among us. Think about the many times God's Word tells us not to fear. Why? Because God is with us. He never abandons His children. And He never allows us to be dealt more than we can handle -- with His strength. Not our own. I think sometimes that's why we get so scared. We secretly believe that in that moment of total need God won't show up, that He'll throw us to the wolves, that we'll truly be alone.

So I fill my mind with Scripture that reminds me of His promises. When the panic rises up in me, dark and menacing, I remember what He has said. I cling to the knowledge that I belong to God. I have no need to fear because God takes care of His own.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Don’t Be Afraid To Follow His Call

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. -- Psalm 32:8

The woman agonized over her decision. I tried to be helpful and patient. She sought her mother’s advice. She stood back and gazed at the old wood paintings. After about 20 minutes -- literally -- she finally made her selection. As she walked toward the cashier, I heard her questioning her choice.

I felt sorry for her. I did. How horrible it must be to agonize over something so simple as choosing either a blue fish or an orange fish on an outdoor painting for a friend. She probably second guessed herself for hours. And, really, it wasn’t that important. I can’t imagine how she manages to make life-changing decisions.

Or maybe I can. A dear friend has been agonizing over one of those for almost three months. She’s finally decided but she’s having a hard time letting go. I understand. Leaving a job you like for something more satisfying is a risk. One place is comfortable because you know it and you know what to expect. The other is scary because it’s new.

We’re all about comfortable, aren’t we? Our Sunday school class has been studying John Ortberg’s book, If You Want To Walk On Water, You’ve Got To Get Out of the Boat. This is one of the topics he discusses. We get so comfortable that it’s easy just to stay right in the boat. Then we end up missing so many blessings because we never trusted God enough to follow His call.

Indecision is all about fear. Procrastination is all about fear. Busyness is all about fear. We don’t want to make a decision, a choice, to leave our comfortable place because we’re afraid that walking on water might not be all we thought it would be. But we’ll never know unless we try.

And, sometimes, fail. We don’t want to fail. Nobody does. But everybody fails at some point. Some of us manage to do it spectacularly. Others fail slowly by bits and pieces. But we all fail at something.

The key then is to learn and grow from the experience. God promises to use it if we’ll let Him. Then we can gather ourselves together and try again -- only this time with the lessons that we’ve learned. That’s the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t. Those who succeed learn from their failures. Those who don’t end up letting their failures define their entire lives.

Don’t keep waiting for a certainty that will never come. Nothing is guaranteed in this life except that God will be with you through the journey. So take His hand and take a chance. Get out of the boat and follow His calling on your life.