Reading a devotional by Dr. Youssef on Abraham this morning this statement struck a cord. Most of my life and the lives of women who have come my way, this is a big issue. Whether it fear of losing their mate, their child, financial stability, you can add your own area of fear(s).
How many fears cause you distress? Is the number less now than when you first came Christ? Who are your examples of living free of fear? How has fear prevented you and I from doing what He has called us to?
According to "None of these Diseases," fear appears to be the root cause of almost every mental malady and physical illness given its adverse affect over a period of time.
I can recall a time, just before my second year at Western Baptist College, now Corban University. For whatever reason, the lord led me to oversee a Summer camp in Northern California. Ironically I had never been camp growing up, there was no such opportunity. The best that was offered was a day away at Lutherland, of which I was not allowed to go, due to my lack of membership in the church. That was the children's reward for attending VBS of which I faithfully attended each day. As I watched the bus leave the church, my heart was broken, but the message I received you were not good enough. This only reiterated I was too bad for God and fear I could never be one of His.
Thirty two years later I found this to be alive and none of us are good enough; that it is ONLY by the blood of Christ that we have been made brand new! Adults too often are unaware of what appears a silent response booms like thunder in the ears and heart of a child. Fear of not being accepted coupled with fears of worthlessness tears at a child's heart and mind 24/7. Then, when negative events take place you expect it for it adds to the lies you have believed.
Yet, we look at Abraham and his son, Isaac both a perfect example of faith and trust. Can you imaging growing up under the tutelage of Abraham? Not only by his words, but his actions! Issac, according to scripture like his father really did not question the event, accepts to ask where the lamb for the sacrifice was. The answer Abraham gave settled the boys heart and mind. For his faith in his father, Abraham, was bigger than his fear.
Abraham when directed by God, did not question Him. Why? I believe, that through Abraham's journey with the Lord, built into his very being one of trust and faith,not fear. Can you imaging the joy and rejoicing of both of these fellows when the ram appeared in the thicket.
Are you waiting and expecting God to provide a ram in your life? Which is bigger your fear or your faith? Can you imaging what your testimony for the Lord would be like if your faith was as sound and grounded in the Lord as both of these guys? As you know by this account in Genesis age is not the issue, for Abraham is very old and Issac was very young. Age cannot be the measuring rod for our faith; it must be our lives journey walking with the Lord, growing through the storms and trials of life that builds our faith and trust.
When I look back on that eventful day after returning from the Summer camp, I was confident in already having a job. However, God had something different in mind, the store opened early and no longer need my service. Looking for work can be demoralizing and the old fears of not-good-enough came on like a tsunami Unexpected, yet familiar given the circumstances. At the time I rented a room from a very sweet lady, and as I lay on my bed emotions and thoughts were like being in a blizzard where the snow comes pelting down. No place to go for shelter except our covering, Jesus Christ. I cried my eyes out and I believe that He or the Spirit took me though a scenario where I came to the end of myself and was home with Him. When you take fear and put it in its rightful place which is at the foot of the cross, you can look up into the face of the Lord. His peace filled my being. I got up from my bed and went into the bathroom, half crying and half laughing that Lord I am also out of makeup. No woman my age ought to be without makeup.
That afternoon, I received a package. You may have guessed it, a friend had sent me makeup. Within a few days, a job was offered and met most of my expenses.
Through my journey with Christ, events continue to test me. Losing two jobs at the same time, breast cancer, and being given two weeks to leave my home so it could be sold. This is just to mention a few. However, during these tumultuous times, He was with me. Yes, fear popped up, yet He through His Word would come to meet the situation and help to extinguish that emotion. The cancer did not take my life, finances have been tough, but He is bringing through. God through a precious family, supplied me with the finances to buy a home, of which I never though was possible.
I do not know what tomorrow may hold for health and finances, but this I know, my God is bigger than all the enemy, trials or storms can send my way. He is faithful, so why ought we to fear? He has each event that comes my way, in His hands, why ought I not trust Him? He is sovereign, not I. He loves me enough to suffer humiliation, pain, disgrace, for my life. Why ought I feel worthless? He is my worth and value and it cannot be taken away. Some who may not agree with decisions can attach, but I answer only to Him. If I am wrong with those decisions, He will make it known to me and discipline me.
My desire to be an Abraham, full of faith not fear. He chose the path for me not anyone else; my responsibility is follow closely and leave all outcomes to Him. Who better to handle His children? No Body!!!
Blessings and may your faith in Christ grow like an oak tree bringing Him glory and honor by testifying of His working through our life. Isaiah 61:3b
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