EXERCISE TRUST NOT FEAR - Jewell Utt
Wow, it has been a busy month filled with praises, blessings, and trials. But what worthwhile endeavor comes without its challenges? When we step out in faith, even though the way forward is scary, we learn to trust God. We have to…because we don’t know how it will all end.
In the space of a weekend, we had a wedding, a rehearsal dinner, a memorial service for my dad, and a first birthday party for my first grandchild. Scattered throughout the month were speaking engagements that require lots of preparation, family visits—more preparation—and a water damage in my home. Thankfully, I sleep next to a restoration specialist and the disaster was cleared away, with no water in sight, when the family arrived a few hours later.
Unexpected happenings always occur at the most inconvenient times. That is life. But the agitation it adds to an already busy schedule is enough to throw you off course.
BUT FOR GOD!
During this time, a house guest remarked how peaceful we remained during our water crisis. He found it funny that as water dripped from the kitchen ceiling onto everything, and a party was scheduled in a few short hours—with my husband taking photos of the damage and the plumber working to stop the flow—my relief was that no water got into my perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Hey I’m real. It was family coming and to me that represented more help if needed.
There is nothing worse in a crisis situation, than to add screaming, out of control people. Rather than handle the problems we are caught trying to calm them down. It’s a distraction of the enemy to further throw us off course. But when we stand firm in the peace of God, we can withstand the odds.
In times of crisis, insecurity, or great need we have a God who is able and trustworthy. When we lean into Him, instead of giving way to fear, we experience a better outcome.
Our faith swells when we exercise trust. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…1 Corinthians 14:33(NASB) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
For further study read Ephesians 6: 10-20 – The Armor of God. And Philippians 4:6-7 – The Peace of God.
