But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. (Matthew 14:24 NKJV)
You might be surprised to learn that in 2016, I clung to my husband like Linus holding his blanket on the Charlie Brown cartoons. I didn’t crave independence, but a guide dog could do so much more for me than a white cane. By the way, I’m blind.
I applied for a dog through Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York When they approved my application, I experienced some angsts. Flying alone to LaGuardia Airport in New York City terrified me. As a class, we had to walk our dogs in Manhattan, and that created more stress. I also had some qualms about living at the school in dorms for three weeks, during the training process.
I also had doubts about being responsible for this dog. Would I be a good dog mom?
Each day, Satan bombarded me with fears. What if I get lost in the airport? What will it be like to live with strangers? What if I get mugged?
Just like the disciples out on that storm-tossed sea, I learned from my fears. I refused to listen to the enemy’s lies, and I saw the faithfulness of Jesus.
Like the disciples, I was in the perfect will of God. Jesus sent His disciples across that sea, knowing they would run into a fierce storm. He knew they’d be afraid.
Why does Jesus allow fearful situations? He could make life a lot easier if we didn’t have to feel afraid. Wouldn’t you agree? It’s in those storms that we see His faithfulness. That’s when we walk beside Him and lean on Him.
We need the storms and their accompanying fears to expand our trust in God. You might be in the midst of turmoil today. Perhaps you speak to your fears, but they never leave you alone.
Friend, find a Bible verse that speaks God’s truth. That is your Sword of the Spirit. Pull out that Sword each time you hear the enemy’s voice.
Next, expect an amazing adventure with Jesus. As you slice away at your trepidations and trust God, your faith will increase. You will grow closer to Christ, and you will walk in the abundant life He has promised.
Yes, fear has benefits, and we learn from them, but we don’t camp out there. We move forward with our Lord. Move forward with a faith that walks on water.
Heavenly Father, I realize that fear doesn’t mean I’m not in Your will. I trust You to walk with me through this storm, leading the way. I am learning to trust You more. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Psalm 56:3 ESV
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
HIKING THE TRAIL
When we take fearful thoughts captive, we no longer allow them to reside in our minds. Which thoughts are you taking captive today? What truth of God will you replace it with?
RELATED RESOURCE
Walk with me through my husband’s leukemia, my depression, and vision loss as I help you walk by faith. Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith will prepare you to roll up your sleeves and conquer all emotional bondage. Learn more here!
Originally posted on August 1, 2022 @ 3:00 am