Probably all of you have run the gamut of emotions this year . . . just like me. This year has been a doozy. I sometimes wonder that when we look back at it in 10 years, if the Lord tarries, how will we see it then?
Truth is, sometimes I wonder too many things. I’ve often said that my brain is my biggest enemy. Hopefully, God can use it for good at times though. Yet I know how I can struggle with fear of the unknown. Fear of what will happen next year, and the year after that . . . what will my children be asked to endure? Will our churches make the right decisions? Will I be faithful?
More than anything in the world . . . I want to remain faithful to my Lord.
God has been teaching me many lessons through this chaos. Lessons on what I can choose to focus my mind on – will it be the news with its hopeless outlook – or on my God who parted the Red Sea?
It has made me ask myself yet again “Do I really believe every single word in the Bible?” Did Jesus really mean all He said? Do I act on that belief or have I let fear steal my joy in the Father?
Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:16-19
This has got to be one of the most beautiful passages of hope in our God. He WILL make a way.
When the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, one of their worst fears was Pharaoh’s army overtaking them. And when that fear became a stark reality, they chose to focus on the object of fear and the enormity of the obstacle in their path . . . rather than on the powerful God of their fathers who had promised to get them out of there. They forgot His promise. They forgot that all that was needed was one word from His lips.
We forget so easily.
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:13-14
Perhaps, ladies, we can feel the cool waters of the Red Sea lapping at our toes.
It is a time of choosing who we will believe. What voice will we choose to listen to in the midst of a culture plagued by panic and fear? Where everybody who thinks they are somebody spouts their theories, adding fuel to the fears already running rampant.
We might be tempted to think that we’re just women – who do we really influence anyway? Why does it matter if I’m fearful or not?
It matters to our children who watch us every single day. They will begin to take on our attitudes. Our fears become their fears. It matters to our husbands. If we are filled with fear, are we truly praying for wisdom for our husbands? And they desperately need wisdom right now. It matters to our church. Our worldview is contagious among our sisters in the faith. Our joy is contagious as well. It matters to our community. Do we display peace and joy to the woman in the store whose fear-filled eyes peer at us over the top of her mask? As believers, we should have something else to offer her other than more fear.
In the end . . . it matters to my own soul.
When my heart is filled with anxiety, the Spirit convicts me that that is when I have chosen to place my trust in men – their decisions, their institutions, their laws, their protection of my freedom. I have forgotten who controls those men. I have forgotten God.
Instead, I am learning that there is none other who can truly “make a way” through the minefield of lies, deceit, fear – and maybe even persecution, except our Lord Jesus. As a believer, I honestly have no choice but to trust Him with my all. Because He IS my all.
Do I truly think God won’t be there for me in my hour of need? Do I honestly believe He will abandon me in my worst fear? He has been there for every single believer when they called on Him. Are His promises null and void simply because it is 2020?
Jesus’ last words.
They are precious beyond measure. Because they are for you . . . and for me.
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Tina says
Amen, and Amen!!
Mio says
Your blog IS like cool waters lapping onshore and reminding us that God is our Savior and King. Those of us who are His, He will never let go of.
It is we who must remember this in these hard times. We k ow that we are tested by our Father. How will we pass these tests if not for remembering our Lord’s promises and teaching our children these passages from the Bible.
Thank you for your commitment to this blog. I don’t think you know how it touches people when they most need it.
In His love and grace,
Mio
Kendra says
Thank you for these encouraging words!
Melissa says
Thank you, thank you. I needed this today!
Kendra says
You are welcome, Melissa!
Debra Huewe says
Thank you for your encroaching words. Someone above me said that your words are like refreshing water. I agree and add your words are like the Living water, so satisfying and uplifting!
Kendra says
Thank you, Debra!
Anne says
Thank you for these words and encouragement Kendra!
Kendra says
Thank you, Anne!
Wiens Patty says
Amen, Amen!! Thank you so much!
Kendra says
You are welcome, Patty!
Diana says
Thank you for these words!
Kendra says
You are welcome, Diana!