I’m in the wait. The doctors still aren’t certain what’s wrong with me. As they take more blood from my veins to run more test, I’m tempted to worry. At times, I even grow anxious and frustrated about my future. Not knowing what illness I have, how to treat it, or how long it will last has me in constraints. I can’t plan for our family vacation. I’m not sure if I can travel with my son’s baseball team, and more. And yet, even though God isn’t saying what I have right now I trust He knows. The Lord also knows my future plans—plans to bring me good not evil. So, I rest in Him. I stand on that promise and I trust His Presence is with me as I wait in the unknown. In doing so, I have peace.
Living free from fear doesn’t mean you and I will not be tempted to worry. We will. But we don’t have to allow troubled times to rob us of our peace and joy. We fight the temptation to worry by trusting in God.
It seems I’m being asked to live out what I’ve written in my book, An Untroubled Heart.
“The fear of the unknown is not only nerve-racking, it can cause us to live on pins and needles as we spend precious energy anticipating the worst-case scenario. According to pastor and Bible teacher, David Jeremiah, a person who worries is living in the future. His mind is torn between reality and the possible. However, the future is unknown. We can’t control it. That’s why Jesus says three times in Mathew 5:7 “Do not worry.” When you and I are tempted to worry, we should heed Christ’s advice and not do it. Worrying won’t change the outcome. It only steals our peace. On the contrary, a lack of worry about the unknown future doesn’t mean that we are not concerned or that we don’t plan ahead. Carefree living is not the same as careless living. Still, while the future may be out of our hands, it’s not out of the hands of an adequate and trustworthy God. When we face a worrisome unknown situation, we can look to Joshua as an example.
It’s recorded in the first chapter of Joshua that before Moses died, God passed the baton of leadership to Joshua. The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for 40 years under the guidance of Moses. Now, their journey was almost over. Just beyond the Jordan River was their promised land—the land that God had guaranteed to Abraham and his descendants.
Joshua had some big sandals to fill, but God encouraged him by saying, “Be strong and courageous. Just as I was with Moses, I’ll be with you.”
Upon reaching the Jordan River, Joshua and the Israelites set up camp by the stream and awaited God’s direction. Much like their meeting of the Red Sea, God was going to have to make a way for them to cross over the river. On the third day, God told the officers to instruct the people that when they saw the ark of the covenant, to follow it because they had “never passed this way before” (Joshua 3:4).
You see, friend, God understands our fear of the unknown. He realizes that you may be in a situation that you’ve never passed through before and you’re afraid. It may be the first time you’ve been without employment. Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed with an illness or your child is in rebellion. You’ve never been down this road before and you don’t know which way to go or what to do. God will guide the way.”
No matter what lies ahead, we are not going it alone. You and I have God’s promised Presence to see us through.
If this has been true in your life, I’d love to hear your story!
Golden~1 says
9 years ago, I received Christ and began to follow Him. My husband of 4 years was not very happy about that. Serving the Lord took a lot from our relationship and he began to emotionally stray. So I began to serve the Lord even more.
5 years ago, I found that my husband was committing adultery and had been doing so for some time. He left and I had to find out what was left for me. After a couple of years of stagnation, I begin to realize that I could still breathe without my husband and took a stand for myself. I moved from our home and got an apartment. During this time my son was living with his father in Inkster. He came back home.
In April of this year, my son got into a fight with a neighbor in our complex. The managers decided that it would be best for my family to go. My son got charged with felonious assault and spent a few nights in jail. But God.
Throughout all of this I still had to be mother, provider and emotional support for my other children, because now we really have no where to go. As I was talking with one of my very good friends, he said to me, Sister Vee, just keep walking in Faith. I returned, HOW! With these High Heels ON? That birthed our new saying and this blog. God has and did come through and I am now in a beautiful three bedroom house, my son got probation and is striving to graduate and is also working part-time. My oldest daughter didn’t have to switch high schools and my younger daughter loves our new place.
Faith with Heels is really about me sharing my experiences and prayerfully touching someone who is going through the same type of thing. It truly is my life (Mi Vida). Those who are closest to me know that what I say, I live. I am afraid sometimes, I am the bold one sometimes, I am full of energy sometimes, and sometimes I need a kick in the pants.
This site is going to be a catalyst for women to stop hiding the pain, doubt and reservations and talk about how to overcome those things through Faith and wisdom. To walk it out but to also know that you are not alone. There are others who are joining you in this walk. And you can do it in some smokin’ bad heels. Being discouraged does not mean that you have to be defeated, it means that God has another plan for getting you to your destiny but it is you who has to keep walking in Faith. That is why I started FaithWithHeels. Check out my blog http://faithwithheels.blogspot.com.
Deborah says
Micca,
What an encouragement you are. I believe every word you said. When things happen in my life I do not allow myself to use the word "worry" because the Lord tells us not to worry in Matthew. Sometimes I do use the word "concern", I wonder if that is the same thing?
As my son is going through out-patient meetings for using drugs and soon will be going to AA classes, I lean on God for my son to seek Him in his troubles and for him to admit he has a problem. God is so great, awesome and wonderful! I like to lean on a new scripture every morning, this morning I thanked the Lord for being the "One Stronger" in verse 22 of Luke chapter 11 who is going to take away Satan's armor from my son and divide up the spoils. I asked for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon him and come out of this situation in His victory. I do have something to fear in his situation, he will possibly be going to prison next month. That is where I am NOT allowing myself to worry, but am putting my trust in our Great Savior. I am asking and praying (begging and pleading at times) that he gets probation. I would appreciate your prayers in this matter.
I'm encouraged by your devotions and the Proverbs 31 devotions daily. God is speaking to me through you!
Heavenly Father,
I ask and pray for Your mighty healing over Micca. I pray that the answers to Micca's tests will be good and that it will not be serious. Let her feel Your love and strength during this time while she waits for answers. I am so glad for the peace she has in you, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I have not read your book yet but will look into buying a copy now that I am off work for a couple of weeks and will make time to read.
Blessings!
Deborah
Carol says
Hi Micca,
I've been missing in action on the blogshpere lately, but have checked on you on Facebook too.
I've always said God taught me faith by fire from the begining. I have an illness called Autoimmune Hepatits, and have bloged about it a few times.
This is the link to one of my first blog posts I wrote, almost a year ago. http://carol-lookingahead.blogspot.com/2008/08/autoimmune-hepatitis-update-and-prayer.html
It's just way to much to leave it in you comments. I'm much better now. I completely understand where you are right now. Praying for you to contine to lean on the Lord. That the Lord will give the doctors wisdom, and that you will be healed soon.
Hugs,
Carol
Jeanies Heavenly Treasures says
Micca,
I hope and pray that you are feeling better by now!
Hugs,
Jeanie