People ask me all the time if I’m afraid to fly. My standard answer is, “No.” I realize that flying several times a year increases my risk of engine failure, plane crash and catching someone’s cold. And yes, these things enter my mind but I don’t allow them to consume me.
It’s my perspective that gives me the confidence to fly. Besides, my feelings really don’t have much to do with it. How I feel about flying doesn’t determine the planes ability to get me from on destination to the other. My feelings only determine whether I enjoy the flight or despise it.
One the other hand, I am a bit superstitious. Before stepping onto the plane, I touch the side of the metal ship and say a prayer similar to this one.
“It’s all yours, Lord. I ask that you put your trustworthy hand under this plane and rise it up and set it down according to your will.”
The Christian is called to live by faith not by feelings. Too often I trust in my own ability instead of God’s ability. I do this because I “feel” I know best. This effort usually leaves me discouraged, frustrated and stuck! Sound familiar?
When I put my trust in God, and take Him at His Word the pressure eases, fear dissolves, and peace fills my heart.
There’s some sort of supernatural connection that occurs when you believe—really believe. God becomes so real, so close, and so intimate. As I look to Him, I experience His care and provision. The more I do this, the more I trust, and the closer to God I grow.
It’s similar to when I was a child. I didn’t worry about bills, or if the car needed tires. I didn’t give a thought to whether there would be dinner or not. I completely trusted in my parents.
Worrying about such things would have affected the joy of my childhood unnecessarily. My concern wouldn’t have changed my parents desire or willingness to care for me.
Likewise, the Christian life isn’t dependent on our feelings either. Our feelings only affect our joy and peace. It never affects God’s sovereign plan for my life or His ability to care for me. So let’s take Peter’s advice and “cast our cares on God, who cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).
I hope this post encouraged you. Because you and I live in a defective world, we need a dose of encouragement often. That’s why today I’m giving away a copy of “Encouragement for Today.” Leave a comment to enter to win!
Good luck!!
April Lopez says
This would be an awesome book for this time in my life. I care for my terminally ill dad and our lives are being affected by the government issues going on now. It’s difficult for me to stay focused on the positive. This book would be a great asset to my life right now.
Courtney says
Oh, Micca, this would be the book I need! I call myself a baby Christian and at times still get so weak. I trust God, but I have a bad habit of worrying about things and giving up. I need a little extra umph each day to keep me going.
Thank you for sharing with us this morning. Your words are like water to dry soil… which is what we are experiencing in Texas. 🙂
Micha Huber says
Micca,
I have been through super hard times that have tested me in ways I never thought. From finances to loss to health problems.
Love,
Micha (I like your spelling better! 🙂 )
Tricia Navilhon says
Thank you dear Micca! I love that reassurance that we dont have to carry the weight of this world all alone. Encouragement equals vitamins for the Christian spirit! I cant wait to read this book.Thank u again for this great Promise from God!
Jocelyn says
Many continued blessings to you and your ministry! I heard you speak up in Minot ND a few months back – God is good and your testimony is evidence of that.
This book looks awesome! Something I know I could use each day!
Sarah says
Micca, about a year ago I started following your blog. At the time, my husband and I moved to Thailand. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. Many times this year, I have felt discouraged, frustrated and stuck. Often dealing with anxiety and culture shock. As scary as it was I knew it was God’s plan. In 2 weeks we are moving back the the US, which means 19 hours on an airplane. Your post today really resonated with me in many ways. Thank you for your encouragement!!
Hilda Quintanilla says
Gat blessing to my heart this would be!!!
Cassie says
Your words spoken through The Lord are truly always an encouragement. Walking by faith and not by sight isn’t always easy. So glad we have a loving and forgiving Father!!
Patty says
I would love to win this book, i know God’s timing is always best, but boy it’s hard to sit back and wait in faith when my feelings are telling me the opposite of what faith says.. so your encouragement today was sweet to my soul. thank you ♥
Savannah Parvu says
Micca,
Thank you for this wonderful encouragement. I so needed to hear this today. I have a hard time not worrying and it’s something that I’ve been working on, but continue to fail at. THis was very encouraging to me. Thank you for sharing your heart and experiences with us. You are one of my greatest inspirations and I am so thankful that our paths have crossed. I can’t wait to see you again next year!
Love,
Savannah
Margaret says
Thank you for the reminder that our worrying/fears do not change God’s sovereign plan. I need to remember to “be still” and trust.
Barbara says
Oh it would be so wonderful to receive this book of encouragement. Someone very close to me has fallen in her walk due to the the pressures of life. This book sounds like the perfect way to help her back to the heart of Jesus.
Thanks for the chance. I really enjoy your posts. They are very uplifting and encouraging. God bless you.
Crystal says
Oh I love this! Encouragement is definitely one of my love languages, and this would be a great resources with the small groups that I help lead 🙂
Patti McCloud says
Thank you! Very much needed that reminder today!
Colette says
I loved your message! We CAN have that same feeling as when we were kids because we ARE children of our Most High God! He wants us to feel that Peace everyday! I am going through a very rough storm right now but feel His Peace and NEED to trust His plan even if my feelings and emotions want me to freak out right now! I could use some encouragement for today! Thank you for the opportunity to win!! 🙂
Janice says
Micca,
You are such an encouragement to me. I love reading your devotionals. They help me to stay focused on my God who is much bigger that all my problems and heartaches…..Thank you for that reminder today.
Grace says
Micca, thank you so much for this encouragement. I love the paragraph about when you believe–really believe, God becomes so real, so close, so intimate.
Oh, how I’ve had to really believe in circumstances that have come in this season. God is faithful! Praise the Lord! Blessings to you.
Janet says
Thank you for all of the encouragement.
Shannon B says
Thank you for being “right on time” with this message. My daughter (a young adult)is going on a trip, alone, one thousand miles (15 hrs) from home. I’ve let this worry me for two weeks…when I’ve only needed to remember that she was, and will remain, God’s child -long before I was ever entrusted with her as my little girl.
I needed to be reminded that He’s “got her back”, with or without my worries/fears. So, I may as well accept the peace from Him that passes ALL understanding.
Thank you, again!
Chelsea says
I thought that you were writing this directly to me for a minute! God knew this devotional is what I needed. What you’ve said above is going to change the way I live. Thank you-I’m forever thankful!
Carol says
Micca – Thank you for the much needed encouragement.
Kathi Whittamore says
I had to get on an airplane to fly my daughter to Austin, TX and she wanted to sit on the wings and it was right where the emergency exit was so the stewardess was giving instructions on how to work the door and what to do in case of an emergency, it didn’t help my anxiety that trip!!
Gwyn says
Wow, great post, this sounds like a great book to have!!! I sometimes feel I am always encouraging others but no one encourages me!!!
Michelle says
This looks like a book that could encourage me.
I am daily fighting a battle between my feelings or faith.
It is definitely a spiritual battle..with many a tear
Jaimee says
Micca, this is the first time I’ve visited your blog, and clearly this is God’s timing! I have experienced what some call ‘a lot’ in life, and have found that in the worst of times, I have no trouble with faith that God is in control. Oddly, I find that I struggle with worry over the little things, like loss of a job or how to pay the bills on time. Today was one such day, and I asked God this morning to help me find a new perspective, along with some encouragement, and there you were! Your blog is timely for me today, and will be something I refer back to along my journey, I’m sure. Thank you for having the courage to share your words and insights here, for those of us who need a boost!
Jen Brook says
Dear Micca,
I am so looking forward to reading this book that will encourage me. A reminder that even though we stress out or go through hard times God is the one that encourages us and helps us get through it.
In Christ,
Jen
Sue fowler says
Spoke directly to my heart and WILL today, thank you! I have been struggling w a life time illness hat has neen especially flared recently and that keeps me from being able to work so we are fighting bills etc – my automatic response is to WORRY and stress over it all and this just reminded me to continue doing what i CAN and letting God do the REST!! Amen…..
Connie says
Micca, thanks for this post! I have suffered from severe panick attacks and agoraphobia for 25 years. I have flown before but haven’t been able to get on a plane in years even though I do have a relationship with God. My husband is flying to Hawaii for our nieces Wedding in 2 weeks without me as I won’t get on the plane. I think your post came at just the right time and I have a new perspective now. THANK YOU!
Holly says
Definitely need all the encouragement I can get. God is faithful, but can never get too much help.
Anna says
Micca, thank you! as always, what wonderful encouragement. I still have teens at home and usually when worry tries to creep in it’s because of something they are going thru, but then I have to remember God is in control of ALL. His promise says He will never leave us or forsake us… and I always go to my favorite Psalm 46:10 Be still and know I am God… I love what you said, “we are to live by faith not by feelings”…AMEN.
Blessings Anna
Kim B says
Would live to win the book Micca! Thank you for your thoughtfulness 🙂
Jennifer D. says
Thanks so much for posting this! Such encouragement for the middle of this week!
Sherri J says
I would love to win this for my daughter…she was abused by her father and she and her brother and I have been rebuilding and she is developing into a strong Christian young lady. I think this would be the encouragement she needs ever day.
Crystal Storms says
“Take Him at His Word” – I love this. I was just listening to a teaching on the rhema Word of God and how we need to know the Word. We have to know it so then we can believe it, stand on it, and know it’s true for us!
Daizyree says
I like what you said that, “Too often I trust in my own ability instead of God’s ability.” Indeed, we are sometimes forgetful people and we forget that we have a God in Heaven who cares for us and won’t take us for granted. He cares for us deeply and His plans for us will always be best for us. I am guilty of forgetting that His love will never leave me and so I fail to trust Him sometimes with some aspects of my life. Thank You for reminding me with this. Keep on blessing other Christian women all throughout the world. God bless you! 🙂
Suzann says
I am new to your site. This message speaks to exactly what I am struggling with. I have felt so stuck in my christian walk lately…I isolate and have a tendency to focus on my feelings…before I know it I am in the pit…right now I am climbing out of the pit…refocusing on God and again standing on His promises..I would love a copy of this book.
Amy says
Great blog!! I would love to win ur book. At this time in my life I definitely need encouragement, and then some!! 🙂
Jackie says
I absolutely loved your message, but I have to admit if I win your Book .. it would be God’s will, rather Luck… <3
CTW says
Your words have given me an added strength and encouragement as I deal with some major adversities in my life!! Thanks be to God for your open obedient heart in “stepping out” to bless others!! GOD IS DEFINITELY ON THE THRONE IN YOUR LIFE!!
Tina Loomis says
Ten days after my husbands death (April 7, 2010), I came to the foot of the cross broken, terrified and feeling very alone without the man I’d known and loved since age sixteen. Out of work, (I had quit my job to care for him after he suddenly became quadriplegic) 50 years old, consumed with grief and left with a mountain of debt, I had no where else to turn but to God. I’m still learning to live without Larry, how to please God and discover “who I am” as an individual. Finding myself in the role of caregiver once again, (I live with and care for my 89 year old mother) I find myself battling for “balance” in my life. I would love this book. I feel God speaking to my heart to write and leave this comment. I already know whoever is to receive this book, will be blessed. And that God will use it to speak to them so they might better serve Him and those around us. We all need encouragement, and then, learn how to give it to others, that they may also grow spiritually.