Read: 2 Timothy 1:7
Throughout Scripture, the Lord gives us evidence that many people deal with anxiety--even those considered pillars of faith. For example, we can deduce that the apostle Paul must have felt fear, since God instructed him not to be afraid "any longer" (Acts 18:9).
The fact that fear is common, however, does not mean it is from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Of Course, certain situations--like hearing a loud noise when we are alone--will trigger a frightened response. But the Lord doesn't want us to live with ongoing anxiety.
Common worries include the fear of death, poverty, illness, old age, criticism, and the loss of a loved one or something cherished. Why do we find it so hard to let go of our concerns, even when the Lord clearly states, "Do not fear..." (Luke 12:7)? Because worry can be deeply ingrained in the way we think. Sometimes we have unhealthy thought patterns that stem from feelings of inadequacy, a sense of guilt, or a mistaken view of God. It's not uncommon for insecurity in childhood to develop into a lack of confidence later on. Life experiences can be another factor. For instance, a person who has lost a parent suddenly in a car accident is likely to struggle with worry.
Regardless of the cause, anxiety will take our eyes off our omnipotent, loving heavenly Father and focus our attention on our circumstances. No wonder God repeatedly reminds us not to fear--He wants His children to feel secure in His capability and trustworthiness.
In Touch Ministries - Early Light - May 28, 2008
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When your name is called, you had better be ready!
Does this dream sound familiar to anyone? You're at a horse show and everything is going great. You're socializing and having a good ole time as the day passes by...until suddenly, you hear your name called. You're up next, but something isn't right. You panic and look around. You can't find your horse...or he isn't saddled yet...you still have your tennis shoes on and the rules say you must wear boots...or you can't find your hat and there's not enough time to go find it.
I had this dream fairly often and began wondering if there was a message in it. I spoke to others to see if they were experiencing anything similar. Every barreI racer I spoke to had similar dreams. I then decided to dig a little deeper. I spoke to a steer wrestler who often dreamt he couldn't find his horse or that his horse was still loaded in the trailer. A calf roper told me he often dreamt he couldn't find his rope can or piggin string. A student told me he dreamt that he was still down the hall when his class bell rang, or he couldn't find his essay when it was his turn to read.
I came up with a theory a few years ago, and was going to write about it, but then got sidetracked and let it slide. I was just reminded about it this morning when my son woke up and said he had just dreamt (he has ski club today) that he was at the top of the hill, it was his turn to ski, but he couldn't find his snow board.
Doesn't it make you wonder why so many people have a fear of not being prepared? A fear that is apparently strong enough to produce a reoccurring dream. I believe there is a clear, universal message (and warning) in these dreams. The Bible tells us, in at least three different places, (Matthew 24:42, Mark 13:33, Luke 12:40) a message similar to this: "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."
Most people probably interpret that to mean we should be prepared, and ready, for the time Jesus comes to take His children home. It's sad to think a lot of people might not be. But you could also apply it to other times, as well? Such as if your name was called to step up to the plate in acts of service or missions? Is there anything you can conscientiously think of that would make you panic about not being ready if Jesus called out your name?
There are only two other dreams that I have found to be universal...the one where a person is naked and vulnerable in front of someone or in a crowd, and the one where they try hard to run away from something, but can't because their legs feel weighted down or asleep. Now, think about putting all three of these dreams together: A person's name is called and he/she stands naked before the Lord...this person panics because they're not prepared...but when they try to run away, they can't.
Kind of makes you think, doesn't it?
There is really no way of knowing what these dreams mean or why so many people have them, but I challenge everyone reading this to ask several people you know if they've had a similar dream. I'd love to hear what you come up with.
Sharon Yorks
sharon@ibra.us
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to speak to an unborn child, still in the womb? Okay...probably not, but let's use some imagination. What would the conversation be like? Maybe something like this:
Adult: I can't wait for you to be delivered. You can't imagine what it's like here. It's great!
Baby: Huh. That's nice.
Adult: You don't sound too excited about it.
Baby: I'm in no hurry. I'm pretty happy where I'm at.
Adult: W-what do you mean you're happy where you're at? It doesn't even compare.
Baby: What's to compare? I have all I need here. I'm not hungry...I can do what I want...I have a nice warm bed.
Adult: You just don't understand. Oh, how I wish I could find the right words to explain it to you.
Baby: If I have all I need here, why should I look forward to going anywhere else?
Adult: Because once you get here, you'll see how much nicer it is, and you'll be much happier here. I know you don't understand it now, but please believe me and trust what I'm telling you.
Baby: You're right. I don't understand. I'll just think about it for a while.
Adult: You don't have that much time to think about it. You're only going to be there for a very short time. The place you're at right now is only supposed to be a place to prepare you for where you're going.
Baby: Really? I-I don't know. The journey down that narrow path looks a little scary. What if it's difficult? I don't know if I'm up to it.
Adult: You won't have to do it alone. You'll have help along your way. You may feel a lot of pressure at times, but I promise, once you've reached your destination, you won't even remember the pain it took to get here.
Baby: But I'm happy here. Can't I just stay where I'm at?
Adult: You can't stay where you're at forever, but you do have a choice. If you believe in me and trust in what I've said, you'll come out of the darkness and into the light. But, if you try to hang on to what you have now, you'll live in darkness the rest of your life.
Baby: How much time do I have before I have to make a choice?
Adult: ?
Does any of this sound familiar? Maybe if you read it again, but this time change the names of the people having the conversation. Change the "Adult" to "Jesus" and the "Baby" to "Lost Soul." Now read it again. It is so easy for someone to get caught up in the luxuries of this world and to be comfortable where they're at, especially nowadays. But, it is very important to remember what this story says...The place you're at right now is only supposed to be a place to prepare you for where you're going. It would be hard to convince a baby that the seven to nine months he/she spends in a womb, doesn't compare to the 80-100 years a person lives on Earth. How can we possibly compare the years we'll spend here on Earth, to eternity in paradise or Hell?
It's wise to keep your mind on the goal and your eyes focused on the road ahead. If you take too many detours to stop and smell the roses, you may end up lost or find it too hard to find your way back onto the right road.
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While in the store the other day, my young son spotted a "Cars" blanket (Cars is his favorite movie) and he pleaded with me to buy it for him. My response was, "Not right now." He continued to plead his case, but now with tear-filled eyes. It was very hard to deny this child as his glistening eyes tugged at my heart. I knew this blanket was something he really wanted, and it wasn't long until my heart was aching as much as his. But I stood firm on my "Not right now," and gently nudged him on down the isle. A few moments later, I could see a transformation take place. His warm and gently demeanor turned into a cold brick wall. It was almost as though he had hardened his heart against me.
Now, for those of you who may be thinking, "If you knew it meant so much to him, and it was hurting you as much as it was him, why didn't you just get it for him?" The truth is, I DID know how much it meant to him. Not more than twenty four hours before that, my mother and I had gone shopping and were discussing that very thing. We bought him the warm fuzzy material to make him his Cars blanket. But not only that, we also bought similar "Cars" material to make him a matching pillow and curtains.
I could have chosen to comfort him at that moment by telling him what we had planned, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise for my mother (the best seamstress in the world) who is looking forward to making, and presenting, them to him? He is still going to end up with what he wants, plus much more. This all happened about a week ago, and it hurts me to think that somewhere down in his little heart he may be holding bitterness towards me for not getting him something he truly wants. I know he'll be much happier in the long run, but that's only because I can see the big picture, he can't.
It amazes me how many times I can relate our own experiences with our children, with a relationship with our heavenly Father. How many times do we pray for something we really want, then get bitter when our prayers aren't answered right away? How many times must He be saying, "Just be patient. I'm working on it." Our Father in heaven is a very loving God who wants to bless us far beyond just our necessities. He wants to put a smile on our face and give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). Does my son need another blanket? No. I just wanted to do something for him that would touch his heart and make him smile. It's so hard to have patience in a "Get it now" world, especially when the desire is within our reaching distance. But if we pray for it, then wait patiently on the Lord, He will bless us with more than we asked for in the first place.
I have witnessed this first hand. A couple of years ago, I decided it was time to get more serious about working out. One thing I did was take long fast walks every morning and evening. The passing cars had me continually jumping in the ditch, and where I lived, the mosquitoes were beyond tolerable. It was important for me to do cardio and frustration soon set in. I discussed this with my husband and said that all I wanted was either a treadmill, stair stepper, or stationery bike...it didn't matter which, just something so I could do cardio indoors. His response was what I had expected. We couldn't afford it, and I knew it.
I then did what I should have done in the first place. I took my request to God. I prayed about really wanting to do cardio (which of course He already knew) and not wanting to spend money we didn't have...and told Him I knew that with God, all things are possible. I put it in His hands, thanked Him, and waited, expectantly. A couple of days later, the Lord put it in my heart to check the weekly shopper guide that was freely distributed throughout our county. It came much earlier than normal, and I ran out to get it. I kid you not; the first ad I saw read something like this...Treadmill, stair stepper, and stationery bike. All in excellent condition. Free, but you must take all three...I dove for the phone and punched in the number. I was the first one who had called about it and they said I could have them, just come get them.
On the way over there, my husband mentioned that they were probably beat up, and that I shouldn't expect much. In my heart, I knew better. God not only was providing me with an item I had requested, He wanted to show me His power to provide them all. It says in His word, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal toward Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) I believe He is searching for those He can bless. And bless me He did! All three machines were like brand new, and each had all the bells and whistles.
Never underestimate the power of God and His willingness to bless us. He loves His children far more than we can ever imagine and delights in doing things for us that make us smile. Don't you think He deserves at least the same respect we ask of our own children? Things like:
1. Be patient while I work out the details.
2. I know what's best for you, so if I say, "No." I have a good reason.
3. I've given you so many of things you've ask for. Must you be so upset over the few things I haven't?
4. Is this something you really need, or just something you want?
God has promised to provide all of our needs (Philippians 4:23). He never promised to supply us with everything we want. Take a moment to compare the relationship you have with your heavenly Father, with the one you have with your own children. Their response to, "No. Not right now." may be no different than your own.
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To my Father on Father's Day.
This year, I wanted to write a special letter or poem to let you know how much I love and appreciate you. My heart cries out, but the words won't come. How can I possibly express in words how much you mean to me? Nothing I can say will even come close to how I feel, but I will try.
Looking back on my life I can see how many times I have gotten myself into situations that I had no business being in. There were times you stepped in and bailed me out without ever making me feel as though you were disappointed in me. But, there were also times you stepped back and let me face the consequences of my own actions and mistakes. During those times, I felt abandoned. But now, after having children of my own, I can see that stepping back is actually the hardest thing to do when you love someone, but in some cases the most necessary when a parent has the best interest of their child at heart. Thank you for loving me that much.
You have always been there for me to talk to...and in many cases to cry to. You were there to comfort me when relationships fell apart, family pets passed away, and when dreams crumbled--and sometimes you showed up before I even had a chance to call. You never pushed your opinions on me, but have always given good, sound advise whenever I've asked. Oh, how I wished I would have asked for your opinion more often! Thank you for being so wise.
You have more faith in me than I have in myself. You continually encourage me to step out of my comfort zone to exercise my talents. When fear tries to paralyze me with lies of potential failure, I hear the confidence in your voice, telling me to stay focused on the goal ahead and to keep moving forward. Thank you for being so patient with me while I stumble over so many obstacles. Words can never describe what it has felt like to go face down into the dirt, and then to look up after the dust has cleared to see a hand held out to help me up. How awesome it is to know that I will never be too old to have a Father that loves me enough to gently wipe away my tears, brush off my skinned knees and elbows, and is always willing to help me get back on course.
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I wanted to have the perfect letter written out and ready to present to my Father on Father's Day. I had thought about it and had it planned for the past two weeks. Fear kept telling me that whatever I ended up writing would never be good enough. My heart didn't want to believe that! But the simple fact was, I was wanting to express my feelings to the Father of all fathers...to the creator of this universe...to the very One that has kept my heart beating. How in the world could anything I write be good enough?
By 8:30 pm on Father's Day there was still no letter. The thoughts of writing it consumed me, but I was intimidated. Fear had a tight grip on me and I was starting to feel like a failure. And then, like so many times in the past, my Heavenly Father came to my rescue. Our young son came to me with tears in his eyes, saying, "I wanted to do something special for daddy that is just from me." I said, "Why don't you make him a card?" He then smiled and quickly zipped off to my office, grabbed some of my cover stock paper, and went to work doodling all over it. He happily presented it to his dad without the fear of whether it was good enough, or whether he had written the perfect words on it. His dad smiled back at him.
Could my letter have been better? Of course! Did my Father smile back at me? Yes He did. How many times do we have to hear, "It's the thought that counts." before we catch on? Well, the thought does have to be followed up with action. This letter may not have been finished on Father's Day, but it began on that day. And what started out as a plan for me to give a gift to my Father, ended up being a gift He has given to me.
Thank you, Father, for once again picking me back up, and for helping me to see another glimpse into a love that is far too deep for me to comprehend.
With much love and respect,
Your daughter, Sharon
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