"Be afraid . . . be VERY afraid!" (I'm not listening!)

I remember hearing this saying a few years ago, and I have no idea where it came from.  But I do remember thinking that it was kind of silly and cute . . . . and said perhaps as a satirical response to something that was "supposed to be" frightening, but actually was just a Paper Tiger   ;o)   (or was that a Paper Monster?)  Because in reality there are many situations that we face every day that appear much larger and more terrifying than they really are.  And unfortunately we often don't stop and think about it to realize the truth. 

But even so, whether something that we are facing in the future or in the midst of at the minute is REALLY scary doesn't ultimately matter.  Because we have all of the resources to be victorious no matter what "monster" we will encounter on life's journey.  There are so many difficult situations that I have not (yet) confronted; but there are other frightening circumstances which I have encountered, perhaps, that are different from the obstacles and fears which you have conquered.  The most important truth that we need to hold on to, however, is that we are NEVER walking through the darkness alone.  Jesus has told us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  And if I believe His Word and trust Him, even when I can't see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel," I must always remember that He is there. 

When all around me is silent and I am searching for an answer, a word, even a touch in that silence . . . . and all I experience is more darkness and more silence . . . . trust is my ultimate source of comfort.  We all have a variety of circumstances that frighten us in varying degrees.  Some of us have a fear of speaking in front of a group of people; some of us are afraid of the future with potential and probably financial struggles; perhaps some of us are fearful for our marriage or our children; others are worried about their health or that of an aging parent.  There are so many obstacles that we encounter on our pathway through life, but each one is so very real when we are in the midst of each particular difficult day.  And that is why it is so important for us to KNOW, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that He is absolutely, totally, eternally trustworthy. 

He is here, right now, and He cares about your fear, your sadness, your confusion, your heartache . . . . and I know that because, no matter what anyone else says about not being able to "prove" that God exists (well, of course not.  Then it would no longer be "faith") - I do KNOW what He has done in my life, and that can not be taken from me by the mere scoffing of unbelievers.  There have been times when the darkness was very deep and the pain was almost unbearable.  You've had those days, too, so don't pretend   ;o)   (and if you haven't it is because you haven't lived long enough to experience the struggles that come with this thing called "life").  But I can now look back on those days and remember how, EVERY SINGLE TIME, at just the right moment, in a perfect way that showed me truly, He cared for me and my family. 

We all need to be reminded, even if we've been down this road before, when the next mountain (or monster) looms in the shadows just around the next bend in the road, we are not alone.  You are not alone.  I am not alone.  Fear is paralyzing, it cripples us as we attempt to travel our personal journey through life.  Even in the midst of terror, we must remember that we are not alone.  We are not alone. 

PS.  One day I will share with you all our story of bringing Annie home from China.  It is a story of one unbelievable event after another, starting with "finding" her through an agency website where she was in her final hours of being available for adoption . . . . to the fact that she is now a happy, healthy first grader.  If nothing else had ever happened in my life, that story alone proves to me that He does care for all of us, even a tiny little girl alone in a Chinese orphanage. 

Please take a minute and visit the other "In Other Words" participants this week.  Debbie is our hostess this week at Heart Choices.  Stop by and say "Hi" - you'll be glad you did!   ~~ Nina

 

 

 

Comments

[Karen Gillett]

Praise the Lord it doesn't matter how big or small the monsters He's there for us to overcome them all. Thanks for sharing today. Can't wait to hear the story about your little girl.

[Nina Newton]

Thanks for your encouraging words, Karen. It is such a gift to be part of the IOW community where we can support one another in our daily walk. Blessings! Nina

[Claudia]

How very true that we must know God and his power in order to trust Him. If we could even come close to grasping how big our God is, we would not fear. (Looking forward to reading your story of adoption.)

[Nic K]

That is so true that every single time we are in need, that if we Trust in God, He ALWAYS provides! Often in way we least expect and usually blesses us more than we thought possible.

I really enjoy your IOW's every week!

[Debbie]

It's always good to be reminded that God is trustworthy. We know it in our heads but it needs to be in our hearts and acted upon. I think trust is the necessary ingredient.

Thank you for participating this week. I love to learn from each one of you. Our God is incredible.

Blessings and love,
Debbie

[Tami Boesiger]

". . .we have all of the resources to be victorious no matter what "monster" we will encounter on life's journey."

Yes, indeed. I need to be reminded of that over and over. Thank you for providing the reminder today, Nina.