Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend!
As most of you know, I have a radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com We've had some amazing guests and some powerful dialogue. Hope you can join us!
Also, I want you to have the inside scoop. Be sure to check my Facebook page for a heads up on my weekly giveaways (that way you'll know when to call for a book you may want). I'll also post daily questions and may read your comments on the air.
One last thing. I want you to know that I now have a short daily blog on my radio show page (link above). Each day I'll post thoughts on faith and I invite you to post your thoughts as well. I may use your insights on a future show. Or, I may even invite you on a future show! Once a month one of you will win a Starbucks gift card and a surprise book from our Faith Radio Shelf. Check it out!
Now on to my topic...
You know how life ebbs and flows, right? We enjoy seasons where the wind is at our backs and seasons when the bugs get in our teeth; seasons when the sun is mostly shining and seasons when the clouds seem to sit on top of our heads and blur our vision. But rarely are life seasons all bad, or all good. Mixed in with the sweet times, are thorns and heartaches, and unfulfilled desires. And mixed in with those stormy times are sacred moments where we enjoy intimacy with God, the miracle of strength in our weakness, and the closeness of a faithful friend.
Well, right now, I'm mostly in a sweet season of life. God is doing a new thing in me and all around me. Yes, I still have unfulfilled desires, hopes of healing, and parts of my personality that I long for God to redeem and renew, but all in all, God is breathing His breath of favor upon us and we are extremely grateful.
But amidst this sweet time of favor, certain circumstances have stirred up an old fear in me that practically paralyzed me for a day or two. Ugh!
It's not like I haven't gained ground in this area. I have. I practically don't even recognize myself when I think of who I was. And it's not like I haven't brought this fear into the light with a few trusted friends and the Lord. I have. Again and again.
So why do I have to keep going around and around this mountain, revisiting a place that won't seem to heal?
As I spent extended amounts of time in the Lord's presence this week, meditating on Scripture and listening to worship songs that declare the greatness of my God, I heard Him afresh in this place. Here's what He told me:
Fear NOT, My precious child, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name...you are MINE. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will NOT sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you-will-NOT-be-burned. The flames WILL NOT set you ablaze. For I am the Lord YOUR GOD, the Holy One of Israel. Your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-1).
Read that again but this time strongly emphasize all of the times God says, "I" - I have redeemed you. I have called you. I'm the One who summoned you. Do you hear the love, the compassion, and the protective nature of our God? In fact He makes Himself personal by saying, 'I'm YOUR GOD.' He's my God. He's your God. He is God-With-Us. Emmanuel.
I hate my fears. But I love God more. I have to trust Him. I have to look my fears square in the face and say, 'Even so, I have God.'
I'm putting my stupid fears under my feet again today. My God turns my darkness into light. He strengthens me so I can scale any wall. I have every reason for faith. You do too.
Have a blessed week as you trust in Him. He can be trusted.
Love to you, my friend.