God's Got This

By Kim Crowe

My husband and I had a conversation the other night while we were reading a devotion together. The devotion was about laying aside your old self and being renewed in the Spirit to put on your new self. One question it asked was, “With what thoughts do you struggle with that reflect the old self?” On top of both of our lists was… worrying.

As we were sitting there, talking about the things we worry about, I came to a realization: I tend to worry about things that I think I have control over and perceptions that people have toward me, where my husband worries more about things that he can't control like accidents or illness.

It makes me think about when the Ebola scare swept across the US, earlier this year. 

My husband was so concerned for my, and our son’s, safety that he didn't want us to go anywhere unless it was absolutely necessary. His love and concern for us was evident, while I hardly felt worried at all.

I worry more about how I take care of my son. Am I doing a good enough job? What if I'm doing the wrong thing and scar him for life? What if people look at me and judge me for the kind of person I am? I battle with these thoughts all the time. Sometimes they have such a hard, tight grip on my heart and mind that I lose sight of the One who came to redeem me from that way of thinking.

When you really think about it, what does worrying do?

What does it accomplish?

We cannot live day to day, moment by moment if we are constantly in the grip of fear, worrying about everything. We worry about our worst fears actually happening, but let me tell you sister in Christ, we don't have to worry because no matter what people think, how things turn out, or what happens, God is in control, and He will make a way and give us grace to handle whatever comes our way. Even if what we fear actually happens.

God never promised us a life full of flowers and cotton candy. We live in a fallen world where people sin, make wrong choices, and bad stuff happens. But our heavenly Father has promised us that He will go before us; He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deut. 31:8) So we do not need to worry or be afraid or discouraged because He is with us every moment of everyday waiting for us to allow Him to lead and guide us through every storm that we go through.

Do you recall a season of trials and hard times in your life? It was during those times that God carried you.

When my sweet son Peyton came into the world he was perfect, happy, and healthy. As the weeks progressed he began having tummy issues and went about three weeks without gaining any weight. I watched in horror as my once happy healthy boy became a thin, constantly fussy baby. I was so worried for him, and I thought that somehow I had done something wrong. But God in His great mercy lifted my eyes and impressed on my heart that Peyton would be okay. Finally after seeing a specialist we determined the problem was a milk protein allergy, and after purchasing the right kind of formula, it made all the difference in the world. Praise God who knows our hearts and hears our prayers.

So, dear daughter of the King, what do you worry most about? Write it down. Pray and ask God to help you to trust Him more. Go further-- talk about it with a close friend so you can pray together.

Cast all your cares upon Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) because He cares for you enough to take your place on the cross.


Word of the day:
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?... Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:27 & 34 (NIV)

Prayer:
Father God, I lift up all my worries and fears to You. Help me to trust you and walk in freedom and joy and not be bound up with worry. Fill my heart with Your peace and wisdom that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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