TERRIFIED

"Don't think Paul was not terrified at times. Of course he was. To think otherwise would minimize his faithfulness. Paul was afraid but his love for Christ exceeded his fear of suffering or death."

Beth Moore
To Live Is Christ
Broadman and Holman  2001
p. 166

Why would I have a file on fear?! Cause that's where I live? I suppose a good Christian shouldn't be so honest, but . . . sometimes, you just gotta be real.

What do I fear? Mostly finances; they've taken more hits than I can count. Freeways (When I merge into traffic, asking God for a wide berth, I remind Him that it isn't just "my" life at stake.) I fear the safety of our children, and fear for any unhappiness in their lives. I'm pretty afraid of people. I'm afraid of making a fool of myself or of someone thinking I don't live in a nice house--and that it's "my" fault.

But first, I have to tell you, "God's been faithful. I've never gone a day without food, warmth, hugs, a bed, or work. God has provided wide spaces in the middle of unbelieveable traffic--not just for the safety of "other" people, but just to show me that He is an Awesome, Able, and Loving God. Our children have had some close calls but we still have them and love them more than can be expressed. Their happiness? Oh man, I wish I could fix every booboo and broken heart! I can't.

What's exciting about today's quote, for me, is that "doing it afraid" can be a measure of faithfulness. I "do" still love my God and my Savior. I take no credit. Jude tells us that "He" keeps us from stumbling. This gives me a new goal--faithfulness, along with many opportunities to practice it.

Thank You, God.

Everyday, Growing,
Lonnie