Have you ever fought a good fight only to find you needed to don those boxing gloves again?
I had to face a significant fear I’d held in the past. Yesteryear had come and gone and God had showed up in a big way the first time I had to look that fear right in the eye and surrender it to God.
I didn’t know then what the outcome would be. Didn’t know if I would get that happy ending I would author. I just knew I had to trust God.
When that fear reared up again, it stopped me in my tracks. The emotions rolled as once before.
The what ifs came marching in as if they had every right to occupy every ounce of my mind.
My mind and heart fought back. We don’t know anything yet. There is no reason to be afraid. Whatever it is, God has never failed me, and He won’t fail me now.
I believe that with all my heart. I really do. He has never failed me.
I know that whatever He authors will be the best for me.
I also know that sometimes He authors paths I would rather not travel.
How about you? Did you fight your life’s biggest fight and claim victory, only to discover some time later you might be staring into that same ring?
And while you want to scream and kick and even throw some punches, it all seems impossible and unbelievable and surreal.
Deep breath.
Truth: God is absolutely still on the throne. He is certainly in control. While revisiting fears may shock you and me, stir anger in you and me, or cause our hearts to skip a beat, it was not a shock nor surprise to the Almighty.
He knew.
And He knew what the end of the story would be.
Because He authored it from the beginning of time.
And we can trust His plan is good.
Jeremiah 29:11 has been a favored verse for me all my life. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (NIV)
Those plans are not always disease-free. Those plans are not always an overabundance of needs being met.
But those plans are God meeting me right where I am and helping me through each moment. About providing materially, emotionally, spiritually whatever is needed right then and there.
Yes, God can be trusted.
Even when I can’t trust myself.
His declarations and promises are true.
And when I stand alone and afraid, He is waiting to come alongside me and comfort me.
You too.
We only need to ask.
Will you join me in asking for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the mountains I am staring down. You know the fear creeping up over my heart and consuming my mind. Theoretically I trust in You. Yet, I need Your help to calm my pulse and make my mind still. Help me Lord. Give me the faith I need to trust in You, minute by minute. In Jesus’ name, Amen.