why are we so afraid?

Well, I've spent the last year+ moving my household from Chicago to Houston... reacclimatizing my family to a new home and new community while also supporting my husband as he settles into a blessed new job.  In this short time, we've been hit pretty hard in all areas of our life with many new forms of change to accept which include financial adjustments to the family budget, flexibility to entertain new guests and incoming visitors, exhaustion/excitement in endeavoring to find a new church family, organizing and simplifying what God has given us, finding new medical doctors to manage my family's health as well as meet my own chronic pain needs while I also undergo a few surgical procedures, and so on.  (Sigh!)  Let me tell you... relocating, and dealing with all that goes along with moving, AND still trying to juggle the day-to-day hurdles that life in general throws our way is definitely not for the weak or weary (of which I am admittedly both). 

Yep, this last year+ has been a true growth experience that has further challenged my own ability to trust that the Lord will always, ALWAYS take care of me and my family. In fact, it has taught me a new level of patience to further believe that my God will always provide and direct us - no matter where we are located, no matter what unexpected trials or difficulties arise, and no matter how hard the enemy attempts to discourage and distract me and my family's vision away from Jesus. For discouragement and distraction are Satan's specialties, aren't they? He loves to redirect us... to turn our eyes away ... to rattle and rock the boat just enough that we forget who is traveling alongside us - the God of peace that is with us!

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27)

How interesting that in the midst of the most furious of storms, Jesus is relaxed enough to sleep. He is not at all fearful of the raging elements that loom about.  He is not stressed over rumbling waves and thunder.  No, instead Jesus simply sleeps. This is how little He is concerned with the threats of worldly distraction. This is how petty he views the discouraging microbursts intending to spread havoc.  Yes, Jesus is relaxed and peaceful.  Satan's vain attempts to rattle the Savior simply causes our King to yawn. For He alone is the Master, isn't He? He alone is in full control. He alone has the authority to get up and rebuke the winds and the waves that threaten us. He alone can follow-through on His promised calm - His promised place of rest, and hope, and peace!

No, not one thing is too furious for our Master to handle. There is no storm that can overpower His strength. There is no moment where He will ever be fearful or afraid or unable to reign over every element, every circumstance, every moment of our lives. So, why are we living so afraid? Why do we have such little faith in our great God? Why question His Word? Why challenge His law? Why?

"Fear keeps us from forgiving, taking a stand at the office, giving our resources to God's kingdom, or saying no when all our friends are saying yes. In the story of the disciples in the storm-tossed boat (Matthew 8:23-34), I'm struck by the fact that the only one who was not afraid was Jesus. There is nothing that He can't overcome and therefore nothing for Him to fear. So, next time you are haunted by your fears, remember that you can rely on Jesus, our fearless Champion!" (Joe Stowell)

Friends, as you face the current storms of today... as you venture through the discouraging winds and waves of worldly instability and encounter the distracting gusts and attacks of the enemy, I encourage you to consider how amazing and in control Jesus really is. Remember all He has promised you. Remember what He is capable of. Remember His calm and count on Him to see you through. He will. He is able.

HE IS ABLE!!!

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. (Psalm 107:28-30)

This is the day to remember your firm foundation... to thank and trust the One who travels alongside you - the One who offers to safely guide your steps into His holy kingdom. Yes, turn your eyes upon Jesus and see how small the panic of today becomes. Realize His lasting peace and place your faith in His truth. For there is no storm that can overpower His strength. There is no moment where He will ever be fearful or afraid or unable to reign over every element, every circumstance, every moment of your life. The Lord will always, ALWAYS take care of you. He will. He is able.

Do not be afraid. Rather, believe and glorify the Mighty Prince of Peace!

Blessings!

~Victoria