All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others

What's stealing from you?

Listen along right here: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/34228767/whats-stealing...

The fear of 'what's coming' or 'what may happen' is anxiety producing and sometimes paralyzing. It can rob us of contentment and joy, deprive us of sleep and cause us to make rash ill-advised decisions. But I'm just wondering - is that the way it should be for the people of God? Of course not. So, how do we conduct ourselves as those who walk in the light?

Right this minute, our governor has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Helene hurling her way here ... newscasters whip up the frenzy to keep viewers watching. Folks are worried about the election, what is going to happen as a result of the election, and what is going on in the Middle East ... what will the future hold? Close at hand are the work situations where jobs are being eliminated; the waiting is brutal: who will be next?

Challenging to be sure, but familiar words course through my mind: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1.9.

Consider this account--

‘I want you to pack up all your belongings and leave every one and every thing that is familiar to you; I want you to move. Once your people are on the move, I will direct you.’ God talking to 75-year-old Abraham. Courageously, Abraham obeyed and stepped right into his purpose. Thankfully, Abraham was not driven by fear but by faith.¹

And then there is this familiar man who had had enough of people; taking care of animals suited him – out, away and mostly by himself. At 80 years of age, he was at peace, but then . . . ‘I want you to go to Egypt, tell the king to set his slaves free.’²The fact is, he didn’t want to do what God was asking, because he was afraid, but Moses went. Faith won, fear did not.

Numbers chapters 13 and 14, the fourth book of the Bible. Moses has courageously led the people out of Egypt and God has brought the mass of humanity right up to the edge of the Promised Land. “The Lord tells Moses, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan which I am giving to the Israelites...”³Twelve men are selected and God gives them specific details on what they are to investigate while in Canaan, even tells them to bring back some ripe grapes.⁴

‘Funny thing happens. Ten of the 12 guys are overcome by their fears, which serves to trample their faith. Why, it seems the ten completely forget what God has said: explore the land of Canaan which I am giving you! God has already promised the land to them, but they can only see the challenges they will face.

Their fear immediately infects the rest of the community,

causing others to forget what God has promised . . .

to forget what he has already done,

how he has set them free from their bondage in Egypt!⁵ [yes, fear is contagious]

That generation of people miss the purpose God has for them . . . to enter the land he promised Abraham. All. Because. Of. Their. Fear.

What to do - you and me - when fear strikes. Often, I take a hold of Scripture to inform my thinking and also pray God's words back to him! How I wish I could pray these words over each of you personally right now! Read/Listen to what Paul prayed for his friends in Ephesus who he dearly loved:

I pray that out of God's glorious riches

he may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the Lord’s holy people,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.6

->All of the fullness of God - to meet you, equip you and give you strength to stand.