All in Fear
The Lord helped me to recall things that “I did know”. Because I am a list maker and a visual learner, I grabbed my notebook and turned the page from all the information the doctors had just delivered (which prompted my list of things “I did not know”) and I began my new list of what “I did know”.
It went with her everywhere… my daughter’s baby blanket was her security for years. They did everything together. She even named it “Bobbie.” When the blanket was over-loved, I repaired it several times. Eventually, it was packed in a family memory box.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it is hard for me to keep believing. I pray and believe, but then I look at what I can see around me. My faith falters. My fears escalate. Doubt creeps in.
In storms of life… fear escalates… becoming more intense.
When out of your element, in a storm, the enemy has an advantage… fear is a strong weapon.
Do you know what to do in that situation?
Too many men: God, what are you thinking? The enemy are 135,000 strong (Judges 8:10) and Israel has a mere 32,000 (7:3). You want all who are afraid to turn back? And guess what—22,000 did just that. Oh Lord!
My little dog, Buddy, was recently attacked by a much bigger and stronger dog. The veterinarian performed surgery to save Buddy's life. He had a wickedly long incision on his underside. The veterinarian told me to let him know if the incision became infected.
They tried everything they could to reduce her fever. Witch hazel. An ice bath. They knew a doctor was the best decision to save their daughter’s life. With no phone and no vehicle, they did the only thing they could.
“Run as fast as you can to the doctor’s house. Ask him to come with his medicine kit. Whatever you do, don’t stop running!”
By reputation, Job’s character was exemplary: Job was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion (1:1, MSG). There was “no one on earth like him” (1:8). Now that’s saying something.
They tried everything they could to reduce her fever. Witch hazel. An ice bath. They knew a doctor was the best decision to save their daughter’s life. With no phone and no vehicle, they did the only thing they could.
How had his world collapsed so quickly? Only days before, Jacob had lived a life of security, comfort and ease. Now he was running for his life in an unfamiliar land. Jacob’s brother wanted him dead. Jacob had lied and deceived his father.
A torrential flood swept through my hometown when I was a teenager. My grandparents lived in a house that backed up to a creek. As the deluge of rain fell, the creek quickly filled and overran its banks. My grandparents’ anxiety rose in proportion to the rising water in the house. They climbed on furniture higher and higher, fearing the worst. A tractor appeared at their door. They were rescued by climbing in the front-end loader. My grandparents were safe from the flood but remained haunted by their experience the rest of their lives. They anxiously monitored the weather and the level of the creek each time it rained.
2020--what a year! Who could have predicted Americans would be wearing masks to enter stores or that toilet paper would be a valuable commodity? I didn’t think I would see in my lifetime churches not meeting together physically. Many companies require payment electronically rather than cash, due to a coin shortage. We’ve been introduced to terms such as COVID, pandemic, Zoom, and social distancing.
As I write this devotion, I am praying the words of our scripture fervently. Our family is facing a situation about which I have many questions, but I am trusting God to calm my fears.
In Spring when the Dogwood trees bloom, I think of Christ’s death and resurrection. This year I collected two trays of blossoms for drying in an attempt to hold on to their fleeting beauty and to extend my reflection on the amazing story.
Words. Typed. On. The. Screen.
Whew! What a huge relief!
After agonizing procrastination over writing these devotionals, words formed on the page in obedience to God. I prayed for His message to be my words so that women may be encouraged.
Those who walk closely with the Lord will at times find their paths taking unexpected turns. That is God’s design. He plans our walk with Him to be faith growing. And so, He leads us in directions that challenge us and force dependence upon Him.
They tried everything they could to reduce her fever. Witch hazel. An ice bath. They knew a doctor was the best decision to save their daughter’s life. With no phone and no vehicle, they did the only thing they could.
Many times my students just make me giggle. At the same time, I find myself learning spiritual truths from some of these humorous situations.
