Don’t Be Afraid!

Don't Be Afraid

Our pastor preached a challenging and encouraging message this Sunday on a topic I struggle with way too frequently – Worrying. He looked at Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus talks about God’s taking care of the birds’ needs and clothing the lilies in splendor. Jesus reminds us that if He cares for such tiny creatures and flowers that others don’t even see, how much more will He care for His creation that He gave souls to, sent His Son to die for, and filled us with His Holy Spirit. Jesus also reminds us that each day has enough worry for itself, so don’t leap ahead and worry about the future.

Jesus knows that each day has concerns and pressures. He wants us to live in trust that He has everything in control. We need to trust Him and be filled with His peace. His peace isn’t like anything the world has — It is so much deeper. He fills us to overflowing with the inner beauty and calm of peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit.

As our pastor preached, my mind kept going back to the things I worry about –

life with chronic progressive illnesses

what does God have planned for my future as far as work and my business

finances, especially being underemployed

relationships
using my time wisely
coming up with things to write for God’s Abundant Blessings blog (ironic, I know).

But then I started to reflect on the past few weeks. I did a 180-spin in the snow a few days earlier, and as I cried out, “God, help me!” I felt His presence and a calm assurance that He was with me. When I sat in the waiting room while my husband had a heart procedure, and the nurse came out and said, “We’ve run into a little problem …” I was filled with incredible peace and serenity that only comes from God’s presence. (Things turned out well after the procedure.)

Trusting and letting go isn’t easy for this Type A person. I sometimes think that’s why God allowed me to have the chronic illnesses. They have given me a huge slow-me-down, and I’ve needed to continually trust in Him for my strength so many days and in so many ways.

I was reminded during the pastor’s message of a testimony I heard many years ago by Roger Bennett as he was facing a life with leukemia. (You can Google Roger Bennett testimony and hear several of his stories on YouTube.) Here are the words to Roger and Debbie Bennett’s song: Don’t Be Afraid

The disciples were tossed on a cold, raging sea

But Jesus was sleeping so peacefully

They cried, “Master, don’t you care that we die?”

But He spoke three small words, “Peace be still,”

It was the storm that had to die

So don’t be afraid when the darkness is closing

The Master is near, His voice calms every storm

So when the world says it’s over, the Master says, “No, I’ve just begun”

In your darkest of times, whether rain or in sunshine, don’t be afraid

I know how it feels to be tossed by the storms

And I know how it feels to be battered and worn

But then I know how it feels to be carried on through

Called by the strength of the One who is faithful and true

So don’t be afraid when the darkness is closing

The Master is near, His voice calms every storm

So when the world says it’s over, the Master says, “No, I’ve just begun”

In your darkest of times, whether rain or in sunshine, don’t be afraid

Roger lost his battle with cancer here on earth, but I’m sure He’s celebrating greatly in heaven. And he’d likely be the first one to tell us – Don’t Be Afraid of the dark valleys, where Satan comes and tempts us to despair and worry. Trust God, and boldly face your future. Dwell in God’s providential love and grace.

Praying you are as abundantly blessed by God’s perspective, presence and peace as I am today ~ Faye