Are your fears holding you back? Perhaps they are holding you back from:
Speaking up for yourself
Meeting that person
Applying for a job
Going for the promotion
Taking a trip or adventure
Writing a book
Sharing your faith
t’s easy to imagine that when we become a Christian, our world will become perfect. Or as Katie says in the Dr. Seuss movie Horton Hears a Who, “In my world, everyone’s a pony. And they all eat rainbow’s and poop butterflies.” But unfortunately, this is not the case. Accepting Jesus as our savior means we will one day live with Him for all of eternity, where there is no more pain or tears.
But until we die and go to heaven, we live on Earth, Earth hasn’t been a perfect place since Adam and Eve ate fruit from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. Now, sin and death reign over the Earth. “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NIV).
Have you ever said, “Wow, what a coincidence?”
Yesterday, I read a Christian book and learned about walking with God. He takes us in the direction He knows is best. As we walk, we deepen our relationship with God by sharing our hearts, submitting our fears, and even the areas where we lack faith and trust in Him. (paraphrased from Relaxed, by Megan Fate Marshman)
As I read this, I thought,” Hmm, submit to God and build your relationship. Seems like everywhere I turn lately, I see the words submit, surrender, let go, and give it to God. This can’t be a coincidence.”
Do you hate waiting? I do. That’s why I can relate to Sarah’s story. Waiting was hard for her, too. As a child, my mom often reminded me, “Good things come to those who wait.” This might be because I’ve never been very patient. In fact, my husband used to call me the “minute plus” lady because of how I microwaved food. I was too impatient to punch in the time and level. Instead, I pushed the “minute plus” button several times and cooked everything fast and on high. Of course, my impatience frequently led to overcooked, rubbery food.
As believers of Christ, we can combine all 3 of these techniques and get the best benefit. Why? Because God’s breath has power. After all, God formed man from the dust in the ground and breathed the breath of life into him. (Genesis 2:7) Additionally, today’s key verse teaches us, “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.” (Job 32:8, NIV) Since God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us, His breath can fill us with understanding and ease our anxiety.
I’ll admit it. I am a control freak. I don’t necessarily boss everyone around. Instead, I try to control every aspect of my life. I strive to know all the details and plan ahead. Then, I fret, worry, and overthink…
I was convinced I had missed a step when I became a Christian because I didn’t act like a Christian. I was too angry. My temper was too short. And no matter how many times I asked my children nicely to do something, I always ended up yelling at them. Perhaps I wasn’t good enough to be a Christian. After all, even though I’d heard this verse a thousand times, I didn’t feel like a new creation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”. (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
As a teacher in the public school system, I have often been afraid to express my beliefs about Jesus. After all, I am technically a government employee. Thus, separation of church and state is necessary. Additionally, I have students of all different nationalities, and I wouldn’t want to offend anyone’s cultural differences. Yet my heart longs to lead others to God’s love and family. So, I have learned to lead like Esther.
When I was growing up, my mom frequently reminded me, “Patience is a virtue.” I am pretty sure she told me this so often because, well…I am not very patient. Maybe you can relate?
I read a funny social media post that said, “Most husbands know that when their wives ask them to do something when they get time, they may as well get up because she means ‘do it right now.’” Yeah, I am that impatient wife. Once, I asked my husband to sell his old car. He knew I would be impatient and immediately looked up the value online. But much to my annoyance, it sat in the driveway for the next 3 months. Finally, when my patience ran thin, I demanded he get it out of our driveway. So, he took to the dealer. However, when he came home, he had a big, satisfied grin on his face. He held up the check and said, ‘I guess it pays to be patient. The value went up $3,000 over the last few months. “
Are you a stressed-out, anxious, exhausted mom? Is there a recurrent pattern of “if only” in your mind? If only I could get more sleep. If only I had more time. If only I knew the right way to do this. If only I knew the right words to say. If only I had more patience. If only I could be a better mom like ____.
