faithfulness blessings – Trading Paper Crowns

Dear One,

Remember as Children of the Light we are not to live in fear “for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). It’s easy to fret when we see stories on the news regarding pandemic and plague. We see footage of panic and apprehension. The mention of disease can cripple one’s faith and allow doubt to grab hold of one’s heart. The unknown is scary. It can shake our cores. It will rattle our understanding.

But do not lose heart – the God who made this world sees you. He knows your struggle. He can read your forlorn soul, and he hears your prayers. Now is not the time to sit back and wallow in fear. It is the time for God’s faithful to fall on our knees in prayer. As William Cowper so eloquently wrote,

“When we don’t pray, we quit the fight. Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright. And Satan trembles when he sees. The weakest saint upon his knees.”

We may feel uneasy about what is happening around the world, and it’s prudent to take precaution to protect your family and your loved ones. However, we mustn’t shrink back in fear. The God who made the flowers, seas and stars has us in the palms of his Mighty Hands.

The God who closed the lions’ mouths when Daniel was thrown into that dark, dangerous den – is standing right beside us. The God who danced with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace is holding us up with his mighty right hand. The God who led the Israelites out of the dusty desert is guiding us to safety.

May we beseech the Lord on our knees not out of fear; but, with blessed assurance knowing that he is the one “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). He is the one who can heal our land and work magnificent wonders with his great power.

Let us collectively cry out,

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147: 4,5). His power is limitless and his mercy infinite.

May we take time today to drown out the noise on the news, because it will terrify. We must focus our thoughts on God’s rich promises and fall our knees before he who sits on the eternal throne. He is the one who breathes life into bones to create a vast army.

Let’s remember this world is not our home. We are just visitors. We are here to spread the light and love of the one who made us. As Jesus said,

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Strapped to my back is a parcel. It’s worn and dusty. Looking out at the tree line, I see it – the dark spaces that lie within that timber. Should I venture inside the hunter green forest with the tattered satchel on my back and shoes that have carried me thus far?

My possessions are damaged. They are not sufficient for sustaining me in an ominous forest. But, my soul calls me to step closer to the trees that hold game birds – big and small. My heart pounds to break free, move forward and leave my self-sustaining articles behind me.

The trees call out and sing in a chord and harmony unknown to man. It is peaceful, whole and jubilant. Confidence beacons me to trust not in my own possessions – but in the breeze that fills my lungs and gives me sweet breath.

This spirit that sweeps over my body is all sustaining. He propels me forward into the unknown with the courage of a lion to walk in power knowing the muscle in my body is not from my greatness but from a Creator that becomes truly all powerful in the acknowledgment of my weakness.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength.” – Isaiah 40:28, 29

My little eyes to see— turned into saucers of his grace and provision; guide me forward into the foliage quite scary to the simple observer. And I step out in my weakness knowing that he who is in me is fiercely able and resilient. He leads me into the shrubs knowing full well that I will experience the foliage of his faithfulness.

Lead me on a journey to understand your full-bodied nature, sweet Lord! Let me stroke the mane of your endless splendor and witness the stride of your unmatched glory. It is you that gives my body life. Take my satchel of worldly things – and take this explorer to the mountain top to truly observe and absorb your wonder.