Hello Fellow Christians,
In the past, I’ve actually been tempted to worry about my kids thinking doing so would somehow keep them safe.
I’ve worried about money thinking we’d never run out if I just kept worrying about it. Pretty silly when I think about that just now and how much Jesus wants us to cast our cares on Him so we can rest in Him.
Over the years, I’ve often noticed that people at work who looked like they were worrying about their work and the company, and appeared to be weighed down with responsibility, were the very people who got raises and promotions.
When the Lord began to set me free from the anxiety and panic that had wreaked havoc in my life for so many decades, I had a real dilemma. How could I be truly free of worry, let Jesus develop His joy in my life and keep my job, or expect pay increases and promotions?
Well, I had to decide if I was going to follow Christ or this world’s ways.
I needed Jesus so much due to my health issues that He showed me I didn’t really have any other choice than to follow Him away from anxiety, panic and the heavy weight of “care.” I did get a few raises and a promotion, but eventually I got laid off even though the owner of the company expressed my great work ethic in front of a number of company people.
Now I’m not saying I was laid off because God was making me over with His peace, rest and joy, but I’m sure glad I didn’t choose to mimic the people who looked full of worry and responsibility.
I wouldn’t trade what Jesus has done in me for anything this world offers. No way. I don’t know exactly what the Lord has in store for providing for us regarding the rest of our lives, but I do know He’ll be faithful and keep us growing in His matchless liberty.
The “rest” is leaving it up to Him and His timing in all things.
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3
God bless,
Mark