The past two weeks have been out of the norm for me.
What began as the flu became pneumonia and ultimately, other unexpected challenges that left me weary and out of commission.
Therefore, what began as thoughts of “It’s okay. This is just cold and flu season. It will pass quickly” evolved into unexpected thoughts:
“You don’t even have the energy to teach your kids. What were you thinking when you decided to homeschool them? What if you aren’t equipping them properly for the future?”
“Every family member is taking turns with the flu. As long as you lay in bed, how will they be cared for?”
What began as faith was trumped by a familiar voice: fear. The worse I felt physically, the louder that voice echoed in my mind. In my restless mind, I suddenly became a failure whose life seemed meaningless.
Fear makes us think crazy things, doesn’t it?
Maybe you’re familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Three servants were entrusted with differing amounts of talents by their master. Upon his return, he was pleased to see that the first two servants had doubled the amount they were entrusted with. However, it wasn’t quite the same story with the third servant. In verse 25, the servant said “‘I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground.’” (NKJV)
Fear drove this servant to act foolishly. And his master was not pleased … to say the least.
I am reminded of Zach Williams’ song lyrics: “Fear he is a liar”.
That’s the truth right there. Fear does not have to make decisions for us. It can be overcome with the truth from God’s living, powerful Word:
“For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 TPT)
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear.” (Psalm 56:3-4 AMP)
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, … here is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.” (1 John 4:17-18 MSG)
Lord, may every fear be silenced by Your truth and may I walk in faith with my eyes fixed on You no matter what my circumstances look like. I trust that Your cross has the final word.
~Joyce
Photo Credit: Niklas Haman on Unsplash
