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As I was going through a pile of paperwork today this notebook open to this page fell out of some bills that I am needing to pay.

I felt overcome by these words and the reality of them. It is so easy to be led into feelings of anxiety, despair, and unease. It is harder to do the opposite.

Antonyms of fear include assurance, bravery, courageousness, and maybe the most important, FAITH.

The difficult truth is that we are called to live a life of faith, and not of fear.

If we live in faith we get to face fear the best way we can…NOT ALONE. God has called us to not be afraid (so many times), to live in a faith that overtakes the fear. He is the one in control of it all, providing a sense of peace and assurance if we let him. 

I focus on fear this year because of how easy it is to fall into. And I guess the reality is I want to discover the hard way. And the hard way is where I need God the most. And I want God the most. I need to be challenged constantly so my reliance becomes stronger.

Next week Doug and I leave for Eswatini. I have been on many calls and meetings with the parents that are heading out too. There will be 100 of us there!!! The parents are filled with all sorts of emotions….fear included.

Please continue to pray for us, for them, and pray for how you can journey with us. I am always wanting to talk about it so let me know when you want to.

Will you live in timidity and fear or in the courage of hope? Will you avoid challenges of faith in fear or more toward them, resting not in your own ability but in the presence, power and grace of the One who rules all and has become your Father? May God give you the grace to remember your identity as his child in those moments when remembering is essential.

Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies

Luke 12:11 

Joel 2:21-22

Judges 4:18 

Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 7:18 

Jeremiah 46:28

I Kings 17:13 

Genesis 43:23

Number 14:9 

Isaiah 41:14 

Psalm 119:165 

Nehemiah 4:14