We need to hear that God is still in control. We need to hear that it’s not over until He says so. We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.
Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.”
Next time you’re disappointed, don’t panic. Don’t jump out. Don’t give up. Just be patient and let God remind you He’s still in control.
~ He Still Moves Stones
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. — John 16:33
Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. — Romans 8:38 NLT
They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. — Psalm 107:19
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Don’t Christ-followers enjoy a calendar full of Caribbean cruises? No.
Disciples can expect rough seas and stout winds.
In the world you will [not might, may, or could] have tribulation. — John 16:33, brackets mine
Christ-followers contract malaria, bury children, battle addictions, and, as a result, face fears. It’s not the absence of storms that sets us apart. It’s whom we discover in the storm: an unstirred Christ.
~ Fearless
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You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. — Psalm 59:16
You may be down to your last paycheck, solution, or thimble of faith. Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
They’re talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming, breakouts of al Qaeda cells. Some demented dictator is collecting nuclear warheads the way others collect fine wines. A strain of Asian flu is boarding flights out of China. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror.
But Jesus doesn’t want you to live in a state of fear. Nor do you.
~ Fearless
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you can hide. His truth will be your shield and protection. You will not fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day. — Psalm 91:4-5 NCV
I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? — Psalm 118:5-6
Excerpted with permission from Fear Not by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.
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Your Turn
That thing that has you up at night worrying? God has it under control. The issue that is disappointingly unresolved? God is already working it out. Don’t be afraid! What can anything of this earth do to us when Jesus is on our side? Come share with us on our blog what fears you’re laying down today! We want to hear from you. ~ Devotionals Daily