Fear of What Could Happen

Do you know anyone who always seems to be waiting for something bad to happen? Who lives in fear of the worst case scenario? Maybe this even describes you.

God never said our lives would be easy. Once sin entered the world, the stress-free, problem-free days without trials were over. In fact, Jesus said it bluntly.

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. (John 16:33 NLT)

We each go through storms in life we wish we didn’t have to face, and each of us reacts and responds differently in the face of trouble.

Jesus told us what to expect (trials and sorrows), but He also told us where to find peace (in Him) and what He’s done (conquered the world.)

I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world. (John 16:33 The Message)

Knowing this makes a difference in my life. I can cope at a different level with God, than without Him. He not only lets me lean on Him, He wants me too!

Let’s face it, we know life won’t be easy, but when something bad happens, it can feel like a punch in the stomach. I know it can happen, but when it does happen it takes me by surprise. It not only scares me, it drains me of my strength and energy. I can either go through it alone, or I can rely on my Savior, who has promised to be with me every step of the way. When I rely on Him, He gives me His strength, His energy, and His peace to get through whatever comes my way.

When I’m at the end of my rope, He gives me a way to go on. When I feel I can’t take one more thing thrown at me, He gives me the ability to continue. Sometimes I might see Him lighten the load, but often times He keeps that “one more thing” from landing on my shoulders. Something I don’t even know about—He protects me from it.

What He allows us to go through may very well be the worst thing we can think of, but through faith, trust, and reliance on Him, He knows we can make it through. That’s a comfort to me—if God Himself believes in me and believes that I can and will make it through, then who am I to question it? God knows me better than I know myself. If God believes I can do it, then I can—not on my own, but through Him.

So, since I know I’ll go through trials, should I worry about them ahead of time? After all, worrying about it will prepare me for it, right? No. Worry takes away from the present day. Worry does not keep something from happening, and it doesn’t prepare us in case it happens.
 
In fact, what if worrying just drains us? If I’m so worn out and drained from worrying, how can I be at my best when I do have to deal with trouble? I can’t. By the time trouble comes, I’ve already lived through it by worrying about it. That doesn’t make me better equipped to handle it, it just means I’m living through it twice!

What does Jesus tell us to do when we start to worry about the future?

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:34 The Message)

Jesus tells us to focus on what’s going on in our lives now, and not to worry about the “what ifs.” He assures us that God will be there to see us through. No matter what happens or when, God will be there. He promises to go before us and walk beside us. And it brings me great comfort to know I don’t walk this road of life alone!      

Thanks for joining me here today! If you’re studying Micca Campbell’s An Untroubled Heart with me, we’re in Chapter 7 this week, “What’s the Worst that Could Happen?” I hope you’ll visit me here again soon!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with my friends at On Your Heart Tuesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Winsome Wednesday, Walk With Him Wednesdays, and Grace Cafe