The Antidote to Fear

Fear confuses and breaks us (literally or figuratively), and causes discouragement and dismay. Which is why Satan uses it so much, especially on those who are doing a great work for God. The antidote? A calling. 

Because if I was called, than this has been part of God's plan for me from the beginning. 

And it I was called (by God), then I can be sure He will be with me and fight for me. 

And though all may come against me, I am a victor because He is. 

And if God is with me, though I appear all alone, I really have the stronger army on my side.

And even though in my own eyes I am very weak (as I am), to my enemies I appear invincible because He is. 

And though they may hurt me, they cannot destroy me. He will deliver. 

His Glory Shines Best in Brokenness

Pain, brokenness... These are things we normally try to avoid. But are they really to avoid?

A little boy's lunch, broken with Christ's own hand, become enough to feed 5,000 men (not including what wife and kids ate).

A hurting girl, hurting others in an attempt to avoid her own pain, become Jesus' closest friend. And the brokenness of her past became the greatest backdrop for the work Love did in her. 

A broken bottle of expensive tears,

A broken body hanging on a tree,

These became the most beautiful and precious things to us (and God). The reason we live. The reason we can have life more abundant. 

And when I let Him break me, it is beautiful. It produces something valuable. And the pain and brokenness of the past become the greatest backdrop for His glory in my life. 

His glory shines best in brokenness.

May I always remember not to run away from or hide from pain and brokenness. 

Our Love For Others Judged By...

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments." (1 John 5:2)

I stare at the verse, letting it sink in. 

How much we love our fellow brothers and sisters is judged by how much we love and obey God.

May we all love and obey God more...