I had an unusual experience
last Sunday. During an altar call where we, as a congregation, brought our
prayer petitions to the altar, I suddenly began to feel a surge of fear rising
within me. I had left my Bible behind on the pew, with all of my notes for
potential devotionals. What if someone took them? What if I lost all of my
notes?
Where did that come from?
I was immediately reminded: "Don't you think that I
can take care of your notes?"
Of course.
"The same is true for your family's financial concerns
that you subconsciously worry about. Am I not God?"
It was true. Whenever I pray for my family's finances,
I end up with a knot in my stomach. Maybe this was the cause of my tossing and
turning all night long. I thought I had left it all in God's hands, but in all
reality, I hadn't! I was trying to steal back the worries that I had laid down
at Jesus' feet.
I started to giggle inwardly. Point well taken! Why
worry when I have God at my side?
Worry is a sign that we are not in control over
certain aspects of our life. Worry is also proof that we have not laid our
concerns in God's hands. But then, maybe we WANT to continue to be in charge of
our own worries. After all, they are OUR worries!
But are they? Doesn't God want to be involved in ALL
aspects of our lives?
Truly "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to
his life?" (Matt 6:27 NIV)
Furthermore Jesus words are so true: "If you remain in
me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be
my disciples." (John 15:7-8 NIV)
First of all, God had responded to my subconscious
concerns. Through the assurance of His Spirit, I try to stay focused on God. But
there are times when I fail. There are times when my attention falters for a
moment. This is where God's Spirit enters like a breath of fresh air to remind
me that He is still in charge, and to give me the guidance I need.
Secondly worry is not part of God's plan. We either
put Him in charge of every aspect of our lives, worry included, or we do not.
Thirdly the forthcoming fruit cannot grow if we hang
onto our worries. Why not? Because we can't remain in God and fondle our pet
concerns at the same time! We may be called to go to the altar, but God's call
is even more important. Do we really trust Him in all things? Do we remain in
Him, in His Word, in His love, leaving all of our petty worries in His care?
Maybe it's time that we giggle! Worry is really not
part of our lives any longer! God will take care of them. But only if we let
Him!
Wow! Did you see the size of that fruit!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.