Do Not Fear: He Has Overcome
I don't know if you're like me, but I tend to worry. Especially as a mom.
I read about that awful Enterovirus-D68 that can appear to be "just" a cold and sends children to the hospital with breathing difficulties -- and I worry.
I read about the devastating spread of Ebola - both in Africa and now here in America - and its frightening 50% death rate -- and I worry.
I read about the persecution of believers in Iraq and I see my own country's acceptance of sin and its sliding away from everything that appears moral and good and right -- and I worry.
As a mom, I want to protect my children. I hate seeing them sick. I fear the world they will grow up in. I wish that I could safely wrap them in a bubble or take them to a secure island- one where they would never know sickness, or pain, or fear, or hurt, or persecution.
And as fear seizes my heart, I remember these words spoke by the One who knows my fear and worries, who Himself carried all sickness and sorrow and pain on my behalf -
Instead, I am promised that trouble will come. It won't just affect another part of the world or somebody else; it will affect me. Yet, just as He promises the pain, He promises His presence in the pain.
So, because of that, because of Him - I can rest. I can surrender my worry and my fear to the One who has overcome.
I read about that awful Enterovirus-D68 that can appear to be "just" a cold and sends children to the hospital with breathing difficulties -- and I worry.
I read about the devastating spread of Ebola - both in Africa and now here in America - and its frightening 50% death rate -- and I worry.
I read about the persecution of believers in Iraq and I see my own country's acceptance of sin and its sliding away from everything that appears moral and good and right -- and I worry.
As a mom, I want to protect my children. I hate seeing them sick. I fear the world they will grow up in. I wish that I could safely wrap them in a bubble or take them to a secure island- one where they would never know sickness, or pain, or fear, or hurt, or persecution.
But I can't.
And as fear seizes my heart, I remember these words spoke by the One who knows my fear and worries, who Himself carried all sickness and sorrow and pain on my behalf -
"'In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33Oh, how I wish that instead, Jesus had said, "Follow Me, surrender to Me, and you'll know no pain. I'll put you in a bubble and you'll be safe. From everything. No sick kids. No dangerous virus will touch you and your family. No heartache. No loss. No pain. Just comfort, easy-living, happy days."
But He didn't.
Instead, I am promised that trouble will come. It won't just affect another part of the world or somebody else; it will affect me. Yet, just as He promises the pain, He promises His presence in the pain.
"'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...'" - Isaiah 43:1-3And then, there's remembering that this precious gifts are only mine for a moment. They belong to Him. He has simply - wondrously - generously - given them to me for as long as He sees fit. Just as I have done nothing to deserve His love and His mercy, I have done nothing to be blessed with my little ones. I am simply a steward, entrusted with precious little ones to tell them of the Savior.
So, because of that, because of Him - I can rest. I can surrender my worry and my fear to the One who has overcome.
"'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest . . . you will find rest for your souls.'" - Matthew 11:28,29
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