“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
When Faith and Fears Collide
The last thing I expected to be doing that day was laying on a hospital bed listening to a doctor read me the risks involved in a life-threatening emergency surgery. Who is prepared for that? As a busy wife, mom, and business owner, I didn’t have time for an emergency!
As the man in the scrubs was standing over me reading the scary pre-surgery warnings and risks of my current condition, I glanced over to see the tear-filled eyes of my worried mother and youngest daughter standing at the foot of the hospital bed.
The tears welling up in their eyes caused my eyes to try to bat away fears on their behalf. I liked to stay poised and in control in all situations, so I really didn’t want to melt down or be the cause of everyone’s worry that day. But I was unable to stop the tears or walk away with that IV strapped to my arm. This was happening.
My husband was at our home three hours away preparing to launch a brand new church. My emergency was such inconvenient timing for all of us! How I wished I had time to at least call him, but the anesthesia started to blur my thoughts.
I started to pray and then I was out.
Glory be to God, hours later I woke up in a recovery bed. “Wow. I’m still here,” I marveled to myself. I thanked God for another day to serve on earth. While God spared my life that day, that memory has been a timely reminder to me that He is and always has been in control of every breath. Any other outcome would have been no less in His hands.
Particularly when it comes to the safety of my family, I tend be a worrier and carry the fear of every potential outcome on my own shoulders. I’m actually pretty good at creatively imagining worst case and emergency situations. I don’t even need a real emergency to get my mind spiraling.
Why do I fear what could happen, when I know there will never be a situation in our life that is out of His control? Fear and faith seem to be competing currents rushing through my veins. For the later to prevail, I must remind myself that God is always with me and available to carry me through.
He alone gives us the strength to face the hardships of life, and that truth is worth resting in and celebrating!
We were made for something greater than this fallen world, so every breath will always be in God’s hands. We don’t need to fear. He has promised to be with us and go before us every day. Because of that promise, we can confidently say in all situations, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” (Hebrews 13:6).
In what ways do your faith and fears collide?
Leave a Comment
Melissa,
Oh I am queen of the “What if’s”. My mind can always wander to the worst case scenario. Like the father who came to Jesus with his son wanting him to be healed, I echo his words, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” Recently I read a blog (wish I could remember the author) but she said to replace the words: “What if?” with the reassurance of “Even if….” Even if the worst case comes true, I am no less secure in the hands of a loving God.
Sunday blessings,
Bev xx
Love this! Thanks Bev ❤
Even if… I love it. Thank you, Bev!
Melissa,
The devil wants us to be fearful and uncertain. Making us think of what could happen and not having our minds on God. I had a time when life seemed to be full of stress. My aging dad was having numerous medical issues, hubby and I both had work problems. I couldn’t calm myself down. Fear or dread ran through me. I must remind myself daily that God is in Control. He is watching over us always and has plans for us. There is no need to fear the worst-just pray about everything!
Blessings 🙂
Thank you Beth! Your words have brought peace to me this morning. Blessings and love xoxo
Oh Melissa, you do not know how much I needed to read these words this morning! I am always worrying about the what if’s. Many times I let fear and anxiety control my mind instead of faith. I’m asking for prayers please. Prayers for peace in my mind and heart. Anxiety and fear are ugly things that try to rear their heads in and make us feel terrible and useless. But our God is greater and Jesus is with us and for us, thank You Jesus! Thank you for your prayers and love. Blessings and love xoxo ❤
Father, Be with Stephanie and calm her fears and anxious thoughts… take them away and replace them with the assurance that You love us and keep us and protect us.. in Jesus name..
Praying for you, dear Stephanie.
This post struck such a chord with me this morning. My mom underwent surgery 2 days ago and my 4-year old will undergo a procedure 2 days from now – I am filled with worst case scenarios running thru my head. Thank for the reminder that He is in control and I can cast my fears on Him.
God bless you, Sister Melissa, for this INSPIRATIONAL essay. TRUELY, F.A.I.T.H. (For All Instances Trust Him) is a BETTER FRUIT than F.E.A.R. (Feel Every Anxious language). It is my prayer that Hebrews13:6 BE OUR PORTION ALWAYS, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Bev is not the only Queen of what if’s? You know there a lot of us competing for that title and it’s not a crown any of us really want or need. I used to wonder what if many things, now I just and not just the binding and loosing but that the Holy Spirit will quicken me, He knows what’s coming and and help us to pray when we don’t know how. While the devil will destroy us with fear, confusion and bad memories, the Lord offers His peace and He alone can erase the thoughts with His love and grace. Prayers for those who need them, blessings.
Dearest Miss Melissa,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for such an encouraging post; it really touched my heart. I appreciate so much you sharing the words our loving Heavenly Father put on your heart. Thank you again and I pray you have a blessed day.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Thank you, Summer Rae.
Thank you so much for this post, it’s
perfectly timed for me.