Faith Over Facts

The message was as clear in my heart as it would have been if it were spoken to my ears.

"Don’t be afraid, Lonette. The baby is about to have a seizure.” 

Within seconds my two year old’s small body began shaking violently. Immediately I heard the voice of Jesus again. 

“Place him on the floor, on his side. Look at the clock - note the time. Call 9-1-1.”

I did as He said and from that place of deep peace with His presence near, I worshiped while I waited.
In telling me what to expect, He had filled my heart with His word. He had left no room for fear. 

As we read the passages in and surrounding John 14, Jesus is giving his dearest friends a window into the future. He shares the facts that betrayal, murder, persecution and death await Him…and them. In the face of that prophecy, His command seems absurd.

I mean, just reading it 2000+ years later seems like the perfect moment for a panic attack. 

​And yet John 14:1 isn’t a suggestion, it is a command. “Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me” (emphasis mine).  Did you catch that? DO NOT ALLOW IT. - Whoa! That’s strong.

He knew that if they didn’t learn to take control over their hearts, those same hearts would fill with anxiety and run them right out of town. The trouble in their hearts would propel them far away from the miracle that was promised to them! (For more stories about promise-forsaking fear, checkout the entire book of Exodus). The message is so important to Jesus that He issues the command a second time in the same chapter.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  

In essence, Jesus is telling them (and us), “I am leaving you with the gift of peace—the same peace I have while I endure the cross. Align your heart with this gift and use it to guard your heart.”

In a culture where feelings and “personal truth” rule the roost, Jesus gives us the same command:  “Don’t let your heart or circumstances carry you away.” Fill your heart with the same sustaining peace that helped Him endure the cross. I’ve heard it said, “You become what you behold.” Jesus spent significant time beholding the goodness and glory of The Father. When he experienced betrayal, pain and even death, he endured with a firm grasp on the character of His Father.
 
In the weeks leading up to my son’s seizure - I had spent time looking into the face of Jesus. With an open heart and quiet adoration, I declared His goodness and truth daily. Turning my heart toward His, increased my awareness of the Prince of Peace. Later, when my heart was squeezed, His peace was what came to the surface.

My son is now a healthy 12 year old (which takes a different kind of trust - and that’s a different devotional entirely). I still have to get bossy with my feelings (and facts) and tell them Jesus reigns!  
Friend, I encourage you to do the same. When trouble knocks on the door of your heart, ask Peace to answer for you.

“‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.’” John 14:1 (NIV)

About the Author

Lonette Baity is a speaker, writer, vocational guide, entrepreneur and mother of four. Lonette’s heart is to create safe spaces where women can rediscover their purpose, reconnect with their hearts and find healing in their own stories.

​Her book, Waiting Well: Caring For You Heart While You Wait is available on Amazon. Find Waiting Well, videos, and Lonette's other projects at LonetteBaity.com. You can Also find her on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.