Overcoming the Unknown

Isaiah 42: ¹⁶ I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.
¹⁷ But those who trust in idols,
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’
    will be turned back in utter shame.

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Scared was my first memory of school as my mother let go of my hand in preschool. Frightened was my first thought as I rode multiple busses to high school. Fearful was my first reaction as my father gave a driving lesson. Worried was my first thought as I ventured into the unknown after a long and glorious career.

• Sometimes the unknown can be scary.
• Sometimes the unknown can be frightening.
• Sometimes the unknown can be dark and rough.

Whenever I was frightened or worried or fearful I could not enjoy the moment. I turned good situations into bad and soon I was on a path of destruction. I mean if I never got over the stifling fear of the unknown then I could not get settled enough to enjoy my surroundings. How can I get over this?

• GOD says to me “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known” which means HIS knowledge will be imparted to me.
• GOD says to me “I will turn the darkness into light before them” meaning HE is the way the truth and the light for my path.
• GOD says to me “I will not forsake them” which means HE is the only one powerful enough to keep promises.

GOD knows I can get scared of the unknown. HE is not mad at me for being worried. HE knows I am blind and reaches out to grab my hand and lead me besides still waters and restores my soul. As long as I let HIM lead me, I will be just fine!

• Are you scared?
• Are you worried?
• Does the way you are going seem dark and mysterious?
• Can you allow GOD to lead you?
• Will you put your total trust in HIM today?

Getting out of the Trap

Psalm 129: ¹ “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”
    let Israel say;
² “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
    but they have not gained the victory over me.
³ Plowmen have plowed my back
    and made their furrows long.
⁴ But the Lord is righteous;
    he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

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“Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. Bullies on the left and poverty on the right, was a thought I had in eighth grade. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time, difficult teachers and no help or direction prompted my thinking in high school. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time I had a very boring job in a town I despised and I had no contacts.

• There are some places in life that seemed like I would remain forever.
• There are some places in life that seemed like I would never leave.
• There are some places in life that seemed as if I was stuck with no way out.

Looking forward during those difficult times, the road seemed endless. I mean who can do four whole years of high school, my young mind could not conceive. Looking back at that trial is only laughable compared to the trials of an adult. GOD had a plan for me.

• GOD is always there for me when I question the road HE has me on.
• GOD is always there for me when the road seems bleak and I have nothing inside of “me” to resolve the current situation.
• GOD is always there for me when things seem impossible to me.

When I look at my power and assess my skills I quickly get nervous. I compare what I know with what’s ahead of me and immediately feel like giving up, BUT GOD has shown to be ever faithful. HE says “When you are weakest, MY strength is made perfect.” GOD is my salvation, whom shall I fear?

• Are you nervous?
• Are you feeling frightened by your surroundings?
• Can you be still for a moment today and listen to GOD?
• Will you accept the peace HE has for you this day?

Fear of Failure

Psalm 16: ⁵ Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
    you make my lot secure.
⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.
⁷ I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

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As I made my next move I decided to vet my idea to a few people. One person said I should “go left” another said “go right” another said “wait” and another said “charge.” When it was all said and done I was confused and went nowhere. Shortly after, another person who overheard the idea took it and ran with it, receiving accolades. I was indecisive.

• Unknown trails are scary to me.
• Fear of failing causes me to stay put.
• Impatience causes me to have knee-jerk reactions rather than calculated moves.

One definition of fear is wanting and desiring success or peace, but not taking any steps to get there. Whether it’s under or overthinking, fear cascades through my mind, thinking the worst could happen. Fear gets larger the more responsibility I take on. BUT GOD has some good advice for me.

• GOD says to me “Fear not, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “MY grace is sufficient.”
• GOD says to me “I will wipe away your tears.”

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places and I can see the delightful inheritance of GOD. HE is the only one who can bring peace in the middle of the storm. HE whispers, so I need to quiet down to hear HIM and HIM alone, especially when others around me are confused or panicked. GOD wants me to hear HIM so I will not be shaken.

• Are you shaken?
• Do you have fear?
• Can you put your fear in GOD rather than on the thing you want so badly?
• Will you seek GOD’s comfort by telling HIM, out loud, what is bothering you?
• Can you prepare yourself for GOD to say “No” or “Wait” or “Yes” in HIS time?

The Basis of Choice

Nehemiah 7: ² I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do.

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Fumbling through a book, I scratched my head teaching myself how to program computers. You would think I already knew what I was doing since that is what they hired me for. Little by little I picked up my craft, but I wasn’t very productive. I showed up to work early and stayed late trying to figure things out.

I thought I was going to be fired when the big boss pulled me in his office. “Can you handle the work?” he asked me. “Yes, I believe so” was my reply. “Great, we are going to give you more responsibility. We are going to send you to get trained and you will have more to do.”

• Looking back I see that I was not always ready.
• Looking back I see that I was not always equipped.
• Looking back I see that I was not always confident in my abilities.

I had no experience, no proof and no excuse on my first job out of college. Everything just worked out the way it worked out. I was at a place where I was over my head and didn’t know what to do. BUT GOD knew what HE was doing.

• GOD watched over me when I wasn’t the best choice.
• GOD watched over me when I did not know what I was doing.
• GOD watched over me when I was faced with something huge.

The big boss took a chance on me by giving me more responsibility, training and a mentor. Years later I brought this lesson with me and took a chance on the unlikely and GOD made it work tremendously time and time again.

• Why are you choosing that person?
• Are you and they fearing GOD rather than fearing your situation?
• Is it more important to be obedient to GOD rather than getting your way?
• Can you prayerfully take a chance on that person knowing it will be harder and require more patience?

Keep Going in Spite of Fear

Ezra 3 ³ Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.

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⁶ On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid.

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¹⁰ When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel.

¹¹ With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:

“He is good;
    his love toward Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

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Things looked quite pitiful for a while. Setback after setback it looked as if the project would never be done. We finally had to cut loose one part of the project that we struggled over because it just wasn’t coming to fruition. I remember being called into the president’s office and being asked, “Is this thing ever going to fly?” When I walked out of the office I could feel the tension from everyone around me. My boss said, “Keep going you are almost there.”

• Sometimes things around me seem grim.
• Sometimes situations I’m in seem lost.
• Sometimes my efforts seem fruitless and everyone around me is full of fear.

When things look grim it seems like more and more things go wrong. More things break and more those who oppose what I am doing seem to salivate at the calamity.  BUT GOD says not to react.

• GOD says keep going “For I am with you.”
• GOD says keep going “For MY burden is light.”
• GOD says keep going “For MY love is great for you and MY plan is to prosper you.”

We finished the project and everyone was rewarded heavily. It was a true success that made news. All of the nay-sayers and assassins had to back off. Only GOD brought me through the tough times and HE continues to this day.

• Are you facing a difficult time?
• Are you filled with fear?
• Can you follow GOD in spite of your fear?
• Will you continue to follow HIS leading and keep moving forward? 
• Can you praise GOD today for enabling you to take another step?

Change of plans may not be a good idea

1 Samuel 28: ⁴ The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. ⁵ When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 

⁶ He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. ⁷ Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”

“There is one in Endor,” they said.

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“LORD please make me wealthy” was my childish prayer at the time. With bills mounting high and no relief in sight, fear fell over me and I didn’t know where to go. I did not hear anything from GOD. No signs or people or bags of money from heaven. I devised a plan. “Powerball!” I immediately bought a lottery ticket and pledged to give a tenth of my millions to the closest church.

• Fear makes me turn from GOD.
• Fear makes me murmur at trials GOD takes me through.
• Fear makes me put my hope into something other than GOD.

When I am filled with fear, I see things differently. I “react” instead of consulting GOD and sometimes put my trust in something other than HIM. GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM in the middle of my fear.
• GOD wants me to understand HE loves me in the middle of my trial.
• GOD wants me to tell others of HIS might even before HE delivers me out of my troubles.

Fear makes me change my plans and run away from GOD. I seek comfort somewhere other than where GOD tells me and my plans fall apart rapidly. When I seek GOD’s face I come through the trial triumphant, no matter what I’m facing!

• Are you facing a trial?
• Do you feel alone?
• Can you seek GOD instead of dreaming of a plan that doesn’t have HIM in it?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS success instead of yours?

What is GOD trying to protect me from?

Judges 19: ⁹ Then when the man, with his concubine and his servant, got up to leave, his father-in-law, the woman’s father, said, “Now look, it’s almost evening. Spend the night here; the day is nearly over. Stay and enjoy yourself. Early tomorrow morning you can get up and be on your way home.” ¹⁰ But, unwilling to stay another night, the man left and went toward Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), with his two saddled donkeys and his concubine.

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¹⁶ That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was living in Gibeah (the inhabitants of the place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the fields.

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²⁰ “You are welcome at my house,” the old man said. “Let me supply whatever you need. Only don’t spend the night in the square.” ²¹ So he took him into his house and fed his donkeys. After they had washed their feet, they had something to eat and drink.

²² While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex with him.”

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What a difficult piece of history this is!  This chapter had only a list of bad decisions that led to worse decisions that ultimately ended up with very, very bad things happening. It made me ponder… If GOD isn’t giving me something I really, really want, should I have it?

• GOD sees my past and knows my future.
• GOD understands what is good and healthy for me and protects me even from myself.
• GOD delivers me from harm when I listen to HIM.

There have been parties I wanted to go to and my parents said “No” and I pouted. Looking back on one situation I do remember some “not so good” things happening to those who went. I pouted because the weather was bad and I couldn’t be with my friends. Many accidents happened that day and people were critically hurt.

I’m not spouting fear, doom and gloom. I just know that when I want something I should ask GOD if this thing I want is what HE wants for me. I should then allow HIM to say “No or Yes” and act accordingly. Usually if the thing I want doesn’t match following HIS word, I won’t get it.

• Are you trying to go in your own direction?
• Are you acting in fear?
• Are you spreading fear to others?
• Won’t you consult GOD instead of going down your own path?

My own strength is faulty

Judges 7: ² The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ ³ Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.

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⁷ The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”

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With instructions from my brother I trekked to my high school early in the morning. It took an hour and fifteen minutes to get there on public transportation that day because I second guessed what was told to me and I missed busses and trains.

As I got closer to the school, I noticed thugs, bullies and gangs lurking about.

Finally when I arrived I breathed a sigh of relief, but that sigh was short lived as one of the teachers gave instructions on what I had to purchase, where my locker was and two thousand other laws I had to keep. I was overwhelmed. Will I ever graduate, alive?

• When I look at my strength I sometimes tremble with fear.
• When I see situations that are far larger than me I sometimes shutter with fear.
• When I think I have to solve a situation that is larger than my power I get stifled because of fear.

Fear makes me want to quit. I mean I think I am going to lose anyway, so why try? Maybe I should just go home, sit on the couch and ball up in the fetal position! BUT GOD has something different in mind.

• GOD takes me through many difficult situations only to show me HIS strength.
• GOD brings me through the battle to show me HE has already won the war.
• GOD says “where you are weak I can show MY strength.”

Battles are GOD’s specialty. HE knows the extent HE cursed the Earth and HE knows just how to protect me through very harsh and difficult times. HE wants me to rely on HIS wisdom, HIS love and HIS strength. My strength pales in comparison to HIS so HE wants me to trust HIM.

• Are you tired of trying things on your own?
• Are you just plain old tired?
• Won’t you look to GOD to solve and resolve your situation?
• Can’t you add trusting in the LORD to your plan?

Facing fears

Joshua 11: ⁶ The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.”

⁷ So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them, ⁸ and the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. ⁹ Joshua did to them as the Lord had directed: He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots.

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My hands were actually shaking as I rifled through my note cards. I had never been on stage before, at least not with an audience this size. I kept thinking and overthinking what I was going to say. I knew my place on the agenda, but they changed it and I was on next. I’d like to say some miracle happened like the lights going out or an earthquake hitting the conference but nothing occurred.

I had to face my fear of ‘speaking to a large hostile crowd.’ “LORD, please give me the right words.” I prayed. Suddenly I had a sense of calm. The presentation went well and I was able to calmly handle the hostile questions.

• When I think about the thing I fear, my fear gets bigger.
• When I see no way out of a situation, my fear increases.
• When I postulate that I am defeated, my fear turns into a giant.

My mind can play some serious tricks on me when I have fear.  I seem to hear a conversation differently, picking out words that confirm my demise. Then I put fearful words in my mouth explaining to everyone why I can’t accomplish what is in front of me. BUT GOD has something different in mind.

• GOD wants me to face my fears because HE is with me.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for HIS strength instead of thinking I have to handle my fears with my own feeble power.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS plan and allow HIM to take care of the thing I fear, in HIS time in HIS way.

When I let go of the expectation of how things will turn out, then GOD can take care the thing I fear.

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you face what or who you are afraid of by asking GOD to take care of the situation?
• Won’t you let go of your fear a little by thinking about GOD’s power instead?

Trading in fear for something better

Joshua 1: ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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Deep in thought, I took notes on how I was going to approach my programming when the phone rang.  It was a major corporation asking me if I could program 3D images of a human heart beating on a screen as surgeons performed operations. I froze and said “I’ll pass.” A chance to become the head technology executive of a major company came open and they asked me. I froze and they passed me over.

A major division of a company was opening up and they asked me to lead a portion of it. I froze and my boss’s boss said “What are you scared of?” I took it and got promoted several times.

• Fear holds me back.
• Fear drives me to snap decisions.
• Fear makes me wonder if I had just tried what would I have become.

As I look back on things it was the times that I was stifled with fear that I performed the worst. I would think of the worst case, act nervous and guess what… the worst case would happen! I then would remember the outcome and apply the pain to my decisions saying “I can’t do that, whatever that is.” GOD commands something different.

• GOD commands that I be strong because this earth is cursed and problems will arise each day.
• GOD commands that I be courageous because many issues will pop up which will  make me want to quit.
• GOD commands that I should not be afraid to take steps into the unknown because HE sees everything.
• GOD commands that I should not be discouraged because the LORD my GOD is with me wherever I go.

Will I ever become weak, frightened, worried or discouraged? Yes, BUT GOD has used a stern voice to get my attention when things are going wrong. HE says focus on ME instead of what you worry about. HE knows my plans are nothing without HIM.

When I accept the fact that it’s not my ability that makes me successful, I can accomplish anything GOD has HIS hands on!

• Are you afraid?
• Do you have fear that is stopping you from doing something great?
• Won’t you stop looking at your abilities and let GOD own your plan?
• Can you believe HIS plan will work and stop looking at the surface?

Keep going

Deuteronomy 31: ⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

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Slam went the trunk of my massive old car as I set off towards my destination. I had only been there once but this time was different, I was moving there.  I studied the map the night before (the internet didn’t exist then) and the route seemed easy enough. Upon arrival to the city I soon realized I was alone there.

I didn’t know where anything was so I drove around. I had a strange feeling to turn down “this” street, so I did. I saw signs for apartments and made mental notes but something wasn’t quite right. After finding where I would work I got lost and turned down an obscure street. I found a set of apartments that were tucked away. “This is the place” I sensed. Funny, this is the place where a neighbor challenged me to go to church.

• Venturing into the unknown can be scary.
• Venturing into the unknown can seem discouraging.
• Venturing into the unknown can be full of obstacles that seem difficult or impossible to overcome.

Looking back I can clearly see I was not alone. It was GOD who guided me through the ambiguity as HE gently nudged me in the right direction. GOD isn’t a punisher or bully, in fact HE is quite loving.

• GOD said HE would be with me and HE has, even through my sinful times.
• GOD said HE would never leave me nor forsake me, even through my doubt and lack of faith in HIM.
• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” because HE holds a bright future for me knowing HIS plan is marvelous!

Life is full of mountains to climb. It seems like treacherous trails and endless rocks at times and as I go further and further, not knowing what’s around the next bend, I grow weary at times. BUT GOD said “I’M right here. Keep going. You are on the right path. MY plan is worth the tough road.”

• Are you feeling a bit discouraged?
• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you feeling a bit frustrated?
• Can you drop your frustration and let GOD gently nudge you?
• Can you stop looking for signs of HIS presence and know HE is ALWAYS with you?

Blessings on you today!

Numbers 6: ²² The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, ²³ “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘Here is how I want you to bless the people of Israel. Say to them,

²⁴ “‘“May the Lord bless you
    and take good care of you.
²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
²⁶ May the Lord look on you with favor
    and give you his peace.”’

²⁷ “In that way they will put the blessing of my name on the people of Israel. And I will bless them.”

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Sometimes it feels great to break the negative habit of begging GOD for more stuff or to fix something else.  Blessing someone means encouraging them, growing them and pointing them to GOD.

When I bless someone, my attitude changes. I mean how can I stay mad at the person I blessed? In fact, the more I wish well on others, the more I realize how GOD desires the best for me.

Here is what I desire…

• May GOD thoroughly bless you this day!
• May your cares and concerns be minimized by GOD to provide you with a moment of peace.
• May you see HIS plan unfold in front of you this day!

Afraid to plant crops

Genesis 26: ¹² Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 

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Comfortable in my position I had no further plans to move up.  I could stay in this position forever as far as I was concerned.  When they offered me a promotion I worried about the future. Not only was it a big step, it was unknown. “I wonder if I should turn it down” ran through my mind.

• Fear makes me stay stagnant.
• Fear holds me back from pursuing difficult things.
• Fear tells me what is wrong with the situation and blinds me to what I’m supposed to be learning.

I don’t think Isaac planted crops thinking “I’m going to be rich.”  I believe he planted what would sustain him and GOD decided to make him rich because of the plan GOD put in motion. Stepping forward is what I noticed here. It took faith to simply step forward and plant the crop.

• GOD wants me to move forward on faith knowing HE will be there every step of the way.
• GOD wants me to understand my fears, doubts and worries so I can give them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes and ears to see and hear HIM enough to take steps necessary for HIM to bless me.

I may fail. I may be broken. That’s the risk! BUT GOD is there with me every step of the way.

• Is something holding you back from accomplishing your goal?
• Are you blinded by your circumstance?
• Can you take the next step on faith knowing GOD is with you?

GOD is with you through the tough times

Genesis 15: After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.

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As I sat at my desk I calculated just how much work I had to do to get the project finished.  My boss seemed to care less about our health and well being and just wanted everything done. I actually thought this was going to be the place I was going to retire from.  I tried to look at my future but the more I looked at it the more frightened I became. What was I going to do?

• When things look difficult I can only see problems.
• When situations get tough I get blinded by my circumstances and I fret about the outcome.
• When obstacles are placed in front of me I think there is no way out and I get frightened.

One problem with looking into the future is I don’t own it. In other words I have never been in the future so why do I think it is going to be as bad as my mind is making it.  Looking back on the many times I have been scared about situations I realize GOD brought me through them and made me a bit stronger.

• GOD said “Do not be afraid” for HE alone holds the future.
• GOD said “I am your shield” so anything that will harm my soul will be guarded by HIM.
• GOD said “I am your great reward” so instead of thinking of the solution to my circumstance I should be thinking about how GOD is using this to grow me.

Life has its difficult moments and GOD knows I will be frightened about the future BUT HE wants me to focus on HIM rather than the circumstance to grow me and mature me in areas HE knows I need to grow.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you believe you need to grow?
• Can you understand that GOD knows you and loves you deeply?
• Won’t you let go of your fears and allow GOD to grow you today?

Don’t be afraid!

Revelation 1: ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

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Sometimes I get worried and think “my” situation is “my” situation. I pout and whine and plan and wince and I stay right in the same place, staring at my circumstance. Who can save me?

• GOD said “Don’t be afraid” because there is no circumstance greater than HIS might
• GOD said “I am the living one” which means I can help you right now and tomorrow.
• GOD said “I am alive forever and ever!” so have no fear about what I say today because MY promises can never be broken.

Since JESUS is the FIRST and the LAST, there is no decree or law or situation that can go outside of HIS rule. HE says HE is love and HE means it. My life here on Earth is just as precious as my life after the Earth passes away.

HE speaks to me and says “Do not be afraid.” Even though GOD is almighty and I sin, HE has incredible restraint and somehow translates my broken relationship with HIM into something that is mended and useful.

GOD is the great “I am” so I do not have to be afraid!

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you give your circumstance over to GOD?
• Won’t you surrender your sins to HIM as well?

Where does my fear come from?

1 John 4: ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.

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“Come into my office” snorted my gruff boss. “We’re sending you to lead a new division” he grunted with a look of dissatisfaction. “Why? Did I do something wrong?” I replied. I mean, I thought I was doing everything right.  I quickly tried to retrace my footsteps.

“This is a good thing! Quit worrying!” was his reply. I had no idea this move was from the head of the department which was my a few levels above my boss.

• Sometimes I think the worst is going to happen to me.
• Sometimes I think GOD is punishing me because I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I look into the future and I see problems, fears and doubts.

When I wake up worrying about bills, job status, or acceptance, I had no idea I wasn’t “trusting” GOD. I believe in HIM and even know about HIM but where is my trust “in” HIM? I am a planner with a flaw. I try to “plan” my way out of situations ordained by GOD and instead of trusting that HE knows what HE is doing, I fret at potential losses and casualties. What can I do about this?

• GOD wants me to trust HIS plan even when it seems different than my goals.
• GOD desires that I trust HIM especially during difficult times.
• GOD wishes that I trust HIS unfailing love for me instead of looking at HIM as the great punisher.

I guess that’s why GOD doesn’t want me to sin.  Not because when I sin, HE has to punch me in the face rather when I sin, I run away from GOD in fear of retribution from HIM. My sin causes doubt in GOD’s plan and soon I doubt HIS love and I become a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom.

GOD wants me to trust HIM to let HIM take things away from me as well as give me things when I can handle them. HIS perfect love removes my fear.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you know GOD has a great plan for you?
• Can you believe HE can’t wait to see you succeed?
• Won’t you accept that the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are all pulling for you?

Five steps to peace

2 Corinthians 13: ¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

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Living “the dream” was something I worked hard at. I mean trying to balance car notes, mortgage, new clothes, schools and an occasional vacation required a well-paying position. Unfortunately this position came with opposition and malice. Then the company faced peril and we faced a downward spiral that could wipe out many jobs.

I had a choice, fight with those who opposed me or restore them to achieve the goal. “Will there ever be enough peace to move forward” I thought to myself.

• When I have worries I lose my peace.
• When I am fighting with people I lose my peace.
• When I am discouraged I lose my peace.
• When I am in opposition with others I lose my peace.
• When I am looking for a fight I lose my peace.

I thought living the dream was something to strive for then I found myself in a place without peace. Yes, there was an occasional accolade or two. We had wealth but no peace. Where was I going to find peace?

• GOD wants me to rejoice in the middle of opposition and I will find peace.
• GOD wants me to seek “full” restoration of my enemies and I will find peace.
• GOD wants me to encourage people even when I feel discouraged and I will find peace.
• GOD wants me to seek unity rather than competition and I will find peace.
• GOD wants me to live in peace instead of picking fights and I will find peace.

Peace is not a destination it is a gift. All I have to do is open my eyes to what GOD wants me to do and I will have peace. HE said “I will be with you always even until the end of this age.” This statement alone gives me peace. When the enemy sticks his face in mine GOD steps in and protects me.

I no longer have to “wait to exhale” I can exhale through any situation and remain at “peace.”

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you have more “month” than “money”?
• Are you facing some ailment or broken relationship?
• Will you seek to restore “that” person?
• Can you take a moment to praise GOD and live in peace today?

I am confident

2 Corinthians 5: ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight.

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Tense was the atmosphere we had during one of the reorganizations. You could cut the tension with a knife. Everyone was waiting to see if they had a position. Would they be pulled into the office down the hall? What would they say once in there?

They called me in and said “You have a position with us, go home and don’t discuss this with anyone at work.” I was relieved! I could go home and rest. My job was guaranteed and suddenly I could act differently and think differently. I could act with confidence. I wish I had this all the time.

• My confidence is shallow when I depend on my job status.
• My confidence is shallow when I depend on my money.
• My confidence is shallow when I depend on my wits.

Sometimes I forget that GOD made me.  I mean sometimes I think I am on this planet for “my” ambitions not HIS. When I stop getting my way I lose my confidence.

• GOD wants my confidence to be in HIM not in “me.”
• GOD wants my confidence to be on HIS purpose not just my ambitions.
• GOD wants my confidence to be centered on HIS faithfulness not on what I can see.

When I think about the things I cannot see, I get worried.  I say to myself “I can’t see how this situation is going to change.” Inevitably GOD steps in and shows HIS might and supremacy over the circumstance.

• Where is your confidence?
• Do you have more confidence in yourself than in GOD?
• Can you start putting your confidence in GOD today?
• Will you ask HIM for a double helping of faith?

Have heart, have hope.

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ^17 18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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My hard working parents bought me a gift for Christmas but it wasn’t what I wanted. I cried and couldn’t see their effort nor could I see that actually the gift was better than the thing I wanted until I began to play with it.

My car died on the side of the road in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. I sulked and wondered why I had this raggedy car and couldn’t see that about ten minutes later a couple would pick me up and would pray with me. I guess I lose heart too quickly.

• When I focus on my momentary troubles I lose heart quickly.
• When I look at my current situation I build up worry quickly.
• When I see my immediate problem I create fear quickly.

Every time I think there is no hope, GOD steps in and shows HIS marvelous plan.  HE knew I would be in trouble and HE knew I would need the thing HE planned.  I fret, fray and fight the situation meanwhile GOD is busy handling what is going on.

• GOD renews my mind and SPIRIT daily.
• GOD gave me eternal glory that outweighs any situation.
• GOD is my guide to the other side of my problems.

HE placed HIS light in me to work out all situations, troubles and attacks. HE gave me another tool to fight fear and that is to focus on what is unseen rather than what is seen. GOD is on the other side of this and every situation which gives me hope.

• Have you lost your hope?
• Can you stop focusing on what you see and focus on what GOD is doing?
• Will you believe GOD has this situation all worked out with a better plan than you can see?
• Can you stop worrying for a short period of time to praise GOD today?

I “hope” it will happen

Romans 8: ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

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With wind and snow hitting my face staring down the street was all I could do to make the bus come faster. It was helpless to look at my watch because that seemed to prolong the bus. All I could think about was the warmth I would experience and then my mind would drift into imagining getting a seat this time.

My excitement turned into elation as an empty bus arrived with all the windows closed and the heat blasting!

• When I set a time on GOD to do something it is always wrong.
• When I think GOD should solve a problem my way in my time I guess wrong.
• When I see that GOD is taking HIS time I panic instead of being patient.

When there is a problem in my life GOD seems to be in no rush to fix it. The winds of issues spray in my face and it seems like GOD just sits there. I mean HE has all the power and here I am powerless to take care of the situation.

• Fortunately for me GOD provided the HOLY SPIRIT to bring comfort to me at the right time.
• Fortunately for me GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who reminds me of times past HE has brought me through.
• Fortunately for me GOD imparted the HOLY SPIRIT to give me wisdom where I have none, patience where desire overflows and hope when defeat stares me in the face.

Faith is the substance of things “hoped” for, the evidence of things not seen. GOD wants me to have faith that HE “has” and “will” take care of everything. HE grows the hair on my head and watches over my feet. All of my situations are HIS to do as HE pleases so I will put my hope in HIM.

• Where is your hope?
• What are you hoping for?
• Are your hopes aligned with GOD’s plan for you?
• Are you living a life of purpose and faith or are you nervously waiting on evidence with doubt?