No Fear

Do you ever sense a disconnect between what you know and how you act? I mean, have you ever been totally convinced that something is true and then lived in such a way that looks like you doubt more than you believe?

For example, would it make sense to head to the school bus in snow boots and a parka if you believed the weatherman when he said that it was going to be 80 and sunny out? Maybe that isn't a very good example; weatherman aren't so dependable, after all. But you get the point. And I think we do this a whole lot more than we realize.

Last semester in bible study we went through The Truth Project with Dr. Dale Tacket (I don't really know how to spell his name - that's an honest guess). He had this fabulous quote that has stuck with me over the months. . .

Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?

And the follow up question to that would be this: Then why don't you live like it? See, we have this God who has given us everything we need for life. He loves us more than we could ever imagine and longs to drench us in His goodness. Do our lives reflect that we really believe that?

I can honestly say that sometimes I look like the girl in snow boots and a parka at the bus stop in 80 degree weather when it comes to how I live out my faith. I don't doubt that God has me in the palm of His hand and that He is concerned about the very details of my life; I think sometimes I just kinda forget.

In my forgetfulness, I worry. But worry is completely unnecessary and inappropriate when we remember who God is and how He loves us! Just think of Joshua in the Old Testament. He had to lead a rather large group of people who were annoyed and annoying most of the time into fierce and crazy battles that seemed impossible to win. Did Joshua have reason to worry? Oh yeah, I think he did. But what did God say to him?

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

Our God is big enough and strong enough to handle any and every circumstance we face. And in case you are about to respond with "that's lovely Erin, but I'm not Joshua," let me remind you that God has promised each one of us the same thing.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

If God is with us, what else do we need? This very day let's start living like we believe it! Let's lay aside our worries and fears and march forward into battle with a confident and thankful heart. Let's pack up our parkas and pull out the tanks trusting that God will bring the warmth and sun that we so desperately need.

Paul (one of the bible's authors who was seriously in love with Jesus and seriously lived like he really believed it was all real), offers some encouragement for those of us who have the tendency to worry. I am going to make this my prayer today. In fact, I think I'm going to write it on a note card and tape it somewhere obnoxious. I need to remember this today, and every day.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7