Verse of the Day - Mark 5:36

Don't be afraid; just believe. ~ Mark 5:36 (NIV)

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When a situation is grave, we fear. If we're offered some hope through interventional means, we believe. If the situation becomes even more grave, we fear again. Up, down. Up, down. Who feels like they want to throw up on this fear roller coaster, huh?

Jesus says, Look into My eyes. What do you see? Do you see carelessness, ineptitude, or hostility in Me toward you? Never! I love you. And I am completely capable and wanting to care for you. I'm sorry that you are up and down in the fear cycle, but until you can authentically trust Me -- even when situations are grave...even when circumstances are painful --, you will not experience a life of peace. I stand here, looking into your eyes, asking, "When are you going to step off that ledge and trust Me?"

Fear is easy to rely on, but it's not reliable. It doesn't hold you up, but lets you down hard. Faith in Jesus is difficult, but it's dependable. That's because Jesus is dependable. He is a rock, a mighty fortress, a strong warrior, a faithful friend. Why would we choose fear over faith, when the choice -- crumbling granite, or solid rock -- is so clear?

Since our flesh leans toward fear naturally, we have to practice leaning toward faith. And practice makes better. The next time you face a difficult situation and you starting leaning toward fear, catch yourself and make the choice to lean toward faith in Jesus. And then lean HARD on Him. Take a flying leap into His trustworthy arms...to hold you, care for you, walk with you, guide you, love you. Then, build on that faith experience when your next faith challenge comes along, because practice truly does make better.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
~ 'Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus, by Louisa M.R. Stead

Love,
Joelene