BRAVE ALTERNATIVE
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
As Justin skipped home from his baseball game, he whistled a happy tune. Thoughts swirled around his head about the Memorial Day picnic his Dad was having Saturday, May 23rd. Last summer, Justin’s Mom died from breast cancer. Tomorrow would be the day for his Dad, sister, older brother, and he to visit Mom’s gravesite with daisies, her favorite flower.
What would a picnic feel like after that?
His whistling faded, just as day-old daisies wilt after being picked. His older brother, Brian, jumped down from the porch rail when he saw Justin. “Hey Justin!” Brian hollered, waving his hand. “We’re starting the picnic now, hurry!”
Justin didn’t know what lay ahead. He said a quick prayer, “Lord, I dread tomorrow, and miss Mom so much! Take good care of her, and restore gladness in my heart so that I can face tomorrow with hope. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
He rounded the corner as the smell of cooking hamburger was sucked into his nose. Sniffing, he smiled. Thank you, God.
Justin survived the Memorial Day Weekend better than he thought he would. Without realizing it, he followed the best prescription for chasing away fears of dread. He prayed at the first sign of anxiety. God replaced confidence and joy in his heart. God wants His children to stand firm in faith—especially when apprehension threatens our confidence. This prevents fluctuation in our faith in God—Who desires steadfast trust and confidence.
During the picnic, Justin joined in teasing his brother and sister. After eating, they played basketball on the driveway. Dad let them stay up late to watch a movie. He treated them to Baskin Robbins ice cream after placing daisies on their Mom’s grave. The weather was sunny and warm the whole weekend. They played, laughed, and enjoyed every minute together.
Have you grieved for a missing loved one? Remember, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” God said to the trembling Israelites. (Isaiah 41:10a). Then choose to walk courageously by faith. Fear is not from God. (2 Timothy 1:7).
Has the Lord ever failed you? He will never abandon you; He gives you exactly what you need at precisely the right time.
Take Home Nugget
Apostle Paul assures us in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Nothing is greater than our God, Who replaces worry with hope every tomorrow.
When a storm threatens, tell it how BIG your God is!
J.D. Griffith
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My background is a life time of worship, but seriously following Jesus came with age. Spiritual maturity is a leap of faith. Sometimes we don’t know what we’re missing until living on the edge of God’s leading. My life of self sufficiency ended abruptly when losing my job as an analytical chemist after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Now living on the edge of God’s leading has become a way of life that I wouldn’t trade for anything else.
Surrendering one’s will to the Lord can be scary. Why did I wait so long to do it? Diving into an intimate relation with the sovereign God of creation is the most secure position in the universe. Will you share your experience with me? Will you let me give you my testimony? May I introduce you to the Jesus I know?