Ebola seems to be everywhere right now. For sure it's been here in Dallas where the first U.S. Ebola patient died this week. He was at the hospital where 2 of my 3 children were born and where I visited my own doctor through the years before he retired. By the way, it's a wonderful hospital, despite what has happened.
My point is... Ebola, just like fear, abounds in the world around us. It's bad enough that I lean in that direction without much help needed, but now... this world is so full of reasons to be fearful. The news, the papers, the world situation... it all paints pictures that inspire worry and fear.
Where is God in all of this?
HE IS RIGHT HERE WHERE HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE. FOREVER UNCHANGEABLE.
He still holds this whole world within the powerful grip of his hands, and he holds me there as well, and you too.
Do you believe that? In a world that tries to give us every reason not to, on a daily basis, do you still claim that God is still God?
Yes He is, and yes I do!
2 Timothy 1:7, and I love the King James for this one:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind".
Don't you know that satan is laughing with gleeful malice at the world we are living in, and that he understands full well the doubts and confusions that trip up saints and sinners alike when fear abounds.
So what do we do about it all?
The very same thing we have always done, after we wring our hands and worry our hearts about it all... we go straight to the God who never changes, whose faithfulness is the same yesterday, today and forever. And... we leave the rumors and the fears of what we know and what we don't know... IN HIS HANDS, one more time.
There is no other solution...
There is also no better solution...
Ebola, wars, rumors of wars, terrorists, finances, families, sickness, small faith, large fears ... all of it!
Not one of these things, or any other thing is surprising to our God. I already KNOW that, but sometimes I need to be reminded again, and when I am...
Back it all goes to Him...
Praying, as I literally 'dump' all of it into His care...
Exactly the place where 'it' and 'I' belong.
Don't you love the sense of calm that comes when we do that? Nothing has really changed, the world is still full of chaos and our problems may still be unanswered, but my heart is still, and my faith is steady.
14 comments:
So much on the news can cause such fear. I thought of you as this hospital is in your neck of the woods. But we can't live in fear. We must trust God who is sovereign. But we also must recognize that there is a spiritual battle going on.
Love you,
Debbie
As Bible reading Christians, we should not be surprised at any accounts we see in the news. Jesus is returning soon and we are told in the word that things such as this will happen. Now is the time for us to look up for our redemption is drawing very near. We can choose to participate and give in to the world's fear or we can know and lean on our God and His promises for us.
Blessings and Love~
AMEN. Right on.
Oh AMEN to this. Hubby and I were just talking (literally just before I read your post) and saying these very things. Satan wants us all whipped up into a panic like somehow it would change a thing. God is FIRMLY in charge, and hold our futures in HIS hands. Only place I want to be! Enjoy your day!
Our guest pastor spoke this morning of similar things .. and this great quote from Colossians 1:1-3 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
I wrote on this also yesterday. God's truth holds us strong as we hear of the new reports of another case.
Always wonderful to read confirmation through your post of what the Lord is saying to me also. Amen and amen.
Well said, dear friend; well said! These things ought to come as no surprise to the believer, especially as we wait for the return of our Lord. I love the scriptural encouragements you've provided here, too.
Blessings,
Kathleen
P.S. When I first read the title of your post I thought to myself, "Oh no, is Sonja pregnant?" Still smiling ...
Yes, we do need to be reminded and what a shame, but somehow we seem to forget that HE IS ALWAYS THE SAME, TODAY AND TOMORROW. Great post!
Happy new week!
And right on schedule... you wrote this post.
The fact that I didn't get my wheels around blog land until today has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that this coincides. (Or was Providentially driven to) my worry wart mothering of late. The recent ebola thing has just *amped* it up a notch or twenty.
Thank you for the big, deep, breath of the Word of God.
"My heart is still, my faith is strong." Yes, even though the recent *happenings* around the world are shaking me up, I can still stand firm. For, my heart's home is built on the sure foundation of the The Rock, and He is my refuge.
Great message today, Sonja. Powerfully spoken, and I have been uplifted and encouraged by its timely message.
Thank you.
GOD BLESS!
This is awesome, spiritual guidance here, Sonja. My heart has been greatly troubled over this. Thank you for your calm assurance.
I need this reminder, there is so much in the world right now that can make us fearful. The Lord continues to remind me to look above all that I see and hear, and turn my focus on Him who has it all under control, on Him who never changes.
My dear, dear Sonja,
I agree wholeheartedly with you! God has not given us a spirit of fear but of a sound mind! This world is whirling in fear, and FAST. It takes courage and will to believe and then follow through with God's word IN US and all that has ever happened and seems to be escalating in our world is a clear indication that this world will not remain forever, but what shall remain is His truths. Peace and strength to you and thank you so much for visiting me! Anita
Well said and I've also been contemplating the same thoughts..fear or faith. Well not isn't fear faith in the wrong person...Satan himself? :) I'm glad that I stopped in!
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