This is a transitional year for my family. Our only child will graduate from high school and leave for college in the fall. Immediately we have to get through the final papers, tests and celebrations in May. In the distance he needs to prep for life in the dorm. In the meantime we need to establish college money; where it will come from and how to intelligently manage it. Within all these things are so many unknowns.
These unknowns generate feelings similar to a dark and stormy night where the electricity just went out, my flashlight is dead and something just thumped into the back door. I’m anxious and not a little bit scared.Reading the blog, A Holy Experience, the author was expressing the same feelings when she reflected on the words “Be not afraid.” As I read that phrase, I too, felt an immediate peace. As an agent of the kingdom, seeking to be obedient to God’s word and call on my life, the exhortation to ‘be not afraid’ applies to me and my situation. Of all the unknowns that are before us I am a believer and if I am to remain obedient to His words I should ‘be not afraid.’ If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31.
These will be my ‘words’ for 2011. Whatever comes my way; whatever hill there is to climb, river to ford or forest to pass through (or; graduation party to throw, full-time job to accept or college bill to pay), I will be not afraid for God is with me. He is in my heart, in my mind and in my soul; He is my solid rock.
I’ll keep you posted on how obedient I am to this. My humanity alone makes this endeavour difficult, but for right now, I am safe and at peace; I am not afraid.
Reminds me of one of my favorites, Psalm 56:3. Praying you will be strong in Him. This is my prayer also.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
Actually, that fear, that adrenalin, is our chemical preparation for all that work awaiting ahead. If we didn't get anxious, we'd miss how important the situation is.
ReplyDeleteSo, start making lists and timelines and stick to them. As you check things off you'll feel that sense of accomplishment.
This is going to be a crazy year. Thanks, Karen, for the prayers.
ReplyDeleteRosaria, I've got my lists started.
Oh, that last year of high school is a tough one-for kids and parents. But it's also exciting! Be not afraid, Sally...it's not so much an ending as a beginning! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Sally,
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought-provoking and an inspiring post. "Be not afraid" are wonderful words to live by.
Donna
Cathy, I'm trying to turn my thinking in that direction.
ReplyDeleteDonna, thanks for stopping over!
Oh Sally,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know how this post ministered to me today. We are at the end almost with our savings, having been unemployed now for years, and my husband graduates in a new career this spring. I am trusting the Lord in his provisions but do have those days where the fear tries to get an upper hand. I am so thankful for a GOD who never stops caring about us:) Blessings.
Sally, thank you for sharing. My verse lately has been Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
ReplyDeleteSo keep us posted on how the Lord handles your cares about the future transistions. It is very exciting to read my past journal entries and be able to note what He did with my cares at that particular time.
Terri, fear is sly and wily and able to slip in unexpectedly. It is my mantra to be ever watchful and not let fear get the upper hand. I'm happy your husband is almost finished and pray his new career brings your family financial peace. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteBarb, I use Matthew 6:34 to push against those issues I can do nothing about but can't seem to keep from working them over and over in my mind. I do enjoy looking over pasts posts and seeing God at work. Thanks for stopping by.