We certainly have a lot of cares and concerns as North Americans. Like pins tumbling down in a bowling alley, we worry about our lives falling apart. Naturally we get concerned about financial challenges, health issues, family problems and the like, but there is a difference between concern and worry. Worrying is our indulgence into fear, continually wondering "what if?" Add to these typical struggles in life a difficult economic environment where families are simply trying to make ends meet, and you are left with a perfect storm of fear and worry. I recall years ago when after four years of service, we felt God moving us on from the congregation we were serving. We put in our resignation and stepped out in faith, waiting for God to open up our next door of opportunity. The only problem was we had a house we couldn't sell, and significant medical bills left over from the birth of our son. It certainly seemed like an opportune time to worry, and honestly I won't say that we didn't dip our feet into that pond! However, true to his promise and character, God directed us to a great new ministry position, and all of our needs were met.
Our heavenly Father doesn't want his children to succumb to fear and worry. In fact, Jesus challenged us in Matthew 6 with this question, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" He goes on to say, "So do not worry . . . but seek first his (God's) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (that you need) will be given to you as well." He goes on to tell us in chapter 21, verse 21-22 that we will receive answers to our prayers when we have faith and do not doubt. Faith is the opposite of fear. We must make a conscious decision and choose to put our faith in God and his Word. For the believer in Jesus Christ there is instruction in Philippians 4, as it tells us; "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The same chapter goes on to provide this promise; "my God will supply all of your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." The key is to present your needs to God, rejoice, and believe that he will fulfill the promises of his Word! The Lord always has and always will be faithful, so what are you worrying about?
Our heavenly Father doesn't want his children to succumb to fear and worry. In fact, Jesus challenged us in Matthew 6 with this question, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" He goes on to say, "So do not worry . . . but seek first his (God's) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (that you need) will be given to you as well." He goes on to tell us in chapter 21, verse 21-22 that we will receive answers to our prayers when we have faith and do not doubt. Faith is the opposite of fear. We must make a conscious decision and choose to put our faith in God and his Word. For the believer in Jesus Christ there is instruction in Philippians 4, as it tells us; "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The same chapter goes on to provide this promise; "my God will supply all of your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." The key is to present your needs to God, rejoice, and believe that he will fulfill the promises of his Word! The Lord always has and always will be faithful, so what are you worrying about?
