Take Courage, Babydoll

10 February, 2016

I'm a little anxious right now. I don't exactly know why or what sparked it, but I'm nervous. I'm nervous about missing out. I'm nervous about staying in Wisconsin when maybe I should move back to LA. I'm nervous about getting older and thinking "coulda, shoulda, woulda." I'm nervous about not taking advantage of every open opportunity while I have the chance.

Am I alone feeling these things? Does anyone else ever get a little stressed out wondering what path to take? Does anyone else worry about which road they're embarking on? Which way is right?

I've been using this stressful season as an opportunity. An opportunity to fall in love with Jesus all over again and to remember my life is not my own. Sure, I may be turning 24 in a month. Sure, I may be living back at home. Sure, I may miss my friends back in LA. But God is God and He will not forget me.

I often put God in a small, confined box. Since I can't actually see him and audibly hear His voice, I forego the truth that He's in control of my life. He may be my Father, but if I can't see His face, can He really step in and guide me?

Yes. Even when I think I'm all alone to make my major life decisions by myself, He is there. He has never left. In the times when I feel isolated and fearful and desperate and insignificant, He is there... more than ever. When I feel like I don't know where I belong, He is there to tell me I belong with Him. When I feel like I'm wasting away my youth, He is there to tell me I'm in His perfect will. When I feel like I'll never meet the right guy, He is there to tell me He's got a bright future ahead for me.

Fear does not come from Heaven. Fear, rather, is a lie from Hell. Seriously.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not fear. For I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Once we realize our very lives are as short as a passing wind, we can quit stressing about every little life decision. Those who accept Jesus as their personal savior are not left to fend for themselves. They are guided by Christ Himself.

Let's take a look at the apostles, shall we? After feeding 5,000 men (plus their families) Jesus instructed His 12 followers to board a boat to sail across the sea without Him. The apostles hit a ravaging storm in the midst of their travel.

Why would Jesus send them into a storm? Jesus knew exactly what He was getting them into. Why on Earth would He do that? Didn't Jesus care about them?

Lonebehold, in the middle of the storm while the disciples figured their lives were coming to an end, Jesus showed up. Walking on water.

"Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid," Jesus told them. Disciple Peter quickly spoke up:"Master, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water."

Peter stepped off the boat and onto the sea. After he saw the mighty waves, he began to sink. "Master, save me!"

"Why do you have such little faith?" Jesus asked. He then quieted the storm and got back into the boat.

All this to say Jesus knew exactly what His disciples would face. He knew He was sending them into a storm. When we say "YES" to Jesus, things aren't always easier. Sometimes they're harder, but we will receive mighty rewards at the end.

Just look at Peter. He was able to walk on water! He did that with "little faith," so just imagine what God can do through you if you have even "average" faith.

If you're in the midst of a storm, "take courage," just like Jesus instructs. He is there. He knows you're in a storm. He may have sent you there on purpose.

Life is far too short to worry about, well, anything. God is good and He will carry your heavy burdens. He will plan your future. He will prepare your future husband. He will give you passion. He will give you purpose.

Rest, relax, and quiet your heart. Jesus is there. Trust.