Fear

Fear is such a powerful force. It can start small, but it will slowly entangle your heart. Soon, you can’t move, and the dull ache of pain can penetrate every area of your mind. And the “what ifs” can seem to be more powerful than the Word of God.

After Esperanza’s last brain surgery, I researched what living with a shunt looks like and the possible problems. As I did this, fear shot up, and I physically felt it in my chest. It felt alive, and without the Word of God, it would have consumed me. Yet God’s Word “is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart . . . Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:12 & 16

Satan would like me to give in to the fear of the “what if’s”, and he has even tried to make me believe that fear is more powerful than the Word of God. He’d like me to get wrapped up with what all the possible horrific outcomes could be. And yet what kind of life is that? If we had listened to Satan the first time Esperanza was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was three, we all would have missed out on seeing the hand of the Lord over and over again the last 12 years.

Instead, the God of the universe has walked us through moment after moment of intense seasons.  Always leading us exactly where we have needed to be. And when I have allowed God to surround me each moment, I have seen Him at work. Even allowing me to see His silver linings in the difficult moments. Yes, things don’t usually turn out the way I envisioned. At times, they have been better; other times, they have been harder. However, when I have chosen to fix my gaze on the Living God, fear has NOT won. Instead, fear has diminished, and peace has ruled within my heart and my mind.

Therefore, today, I choose to fix my gaze on the Living God and His Word. “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?” (Mathew 6:26). Therefore, if He can take care of the birds of the sky, I can trust Him to take care of my daughter. I can trust Him to lead us in every season of our lives. He is faithful.

Will you join me in laying down fear? Instead, let’s throw off every hindrance and dance like this Island Breeze man. Even like King David. Knowing that our strength is in the joy of the Lord! Knowing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. And let’s grab hold of the peace that He wants to give us as we surrender our worries and fears to Him.

Praise Reports:

• Esperanza is healing very well.

• Esperanza was blessed with a car.

• We have an incredible community of believers.

Prayer Requests:

• Esperanza:

  • The pressure behind Esperanza’s eyes will disappear.

  • The tumor will shrink.

  • The shunt will have no infection.

• Mission Trip to Peru:

  • Finances (Click Here).

  • Wisdom.

• Bruce:

  • Healing over his body.

  • Favor with the projects he’s working on.

• Partners:

  • Prayer warriors.

  • Financial (click here).

  • A team to join us in Pensacola.