It’s Called Fear
By Mike Rule
There are many situations in my life right now that make me ask the question,
"Have I lost my mind?" The pressures have been tremendous on all
sides. The travel schedule for the first two months of this year was very full.
The amount of office work is a bit overwhelming. I am VERY behind on my writing,
and there is more to do than I can possibly keep up with. The financial
pressures have been incredible. Yet in each area God has given us clear
direction and guidance. He continues to lead us as our Shepherd, and I am so
much like a sheep: I balk, and at times – with terror in my eyes – look for
a door of escape. Yet He is so faithful to keep me and continue to lead me.
Recently we were making some financial decisions that appear to be CRAZY in
light of our present circumstances. The peace of God is ruling our hearts in
these matters, but circumstantially it seems completely insane to be even
considering these paths. In the midst of this I was asking myself the question,
"What am I? Nuts? How can I even be considering this decision? What is
this?" I was walking into our dark bathroom as these thoughts were running
through my head. As I turned on the light, the first thing to reach my eyes was
a magazine cover that was lying on the library shelf (also known as the back of
the toilet). At the exact moment I asked, "What is this?" the words on
the magazine leapt into my sight: "It’s called FEAR!"
I immediately felt the peace of God soothe my heart. It was tremendous
re-assurance from Him.
Does this mean that it has been less terrifying to follow where He is leading
us? Of course not; but I am encouraged to keep walking the course no matter how
little sense it makes to the human mind. We do not walk in what we can see; we
walk in what we cannot see because we have confidence that, "When He has
called out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him
because they know HIS voice!" (John 10:4) Praise God that we do not have to
let our fears run our lives. We can walk in Faith! We have a God!
(If you were encouraged by today's article, you might want to check out Crazy
in the Living Reflections archive on our web site!)
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