Facing Fear

Yesterday our preacher's sermon dealt with how we encounter fears in our lives and how we approach facing them. In the past month, I've had to face some very painful issues. First, my husband became very ill and I've had to watch his health deteriorate. I was approaching the last two weeks of my employment, since I'd turned in my resignation to retire at the end of the year. Trying to balance work and home life became a challenge. Then, my mother, who also lives with us became ill. On my husband and my 30th wedding anniversary, Mom was taken to the hospital, and she never returned. She went to be with Jesus. Difficult, dark days. Without my strong faith, and the knowledge that Jesus was with me, that He had his arms wrapped firmly around me to keep me from falling, I could have fallen into a deep depression.

When we are at our lowest times in life, if we take our eyes off Jesus, then Satan worms his way into our mind and tries to remove our faith with doubt and fear.

Remember Peter when he stepped out of the boat in the midst of the storm and began walking on water toward Jesus? Why did he begin to sink? Imagine the scene. He steps out in faith, and then he realizes that waves and wind are battering him. He looks at the surroundings and fear sets in. He immediately begins to sink into the water. He holds out his hands and asks Jesus to save him. Jesus, always loving, takes Peter's hand. How saddened He must have felt to know that Peter had taken his eyes off Jesus and allowed doubt to take control.

My husband and I are still waiting resolution on his illness. We don't know what might lie ahead today, tomorrow, or next month. But, we do have faith. Faith that Jesus is with us, that He is not allowing us to go through this alone. There are times when I cry alone, when I worry, and yes, even when I feel fear. But those are the times that I turn to prayer. And Jesus comforts and lifts me up.

It is my prayer for each of you, that you keep your eyes turned to Jesus. He will bring you through the fears that assail your lives.

Thanks for stopping by.

My Goals for 2010

• Welcome each new day with a smile.
• Treat each day as a new beginning.
• Brainstorm with feet on moving treadmill.
• Write something.
• Read something.
• Hug family and friends tell them I love them.
• Do for others with a joyful heart.
• Thank God for His many blessings.

As you move into 2010, remember to relax deeply, dream big, and believe with all your heart.