Fear Not Friday | Do you fear the future?

There was a time in my life when I just accepted the way things were. I let people treat me any way they wanted to. I didn’t believe God had more for me than just survival. But, the truth has invaded my heart. I know different today.

My past can’t harm me any more. My parents are a distant gong that used to bring me strife. The pain that ensnared my heart, guided my steps and made my future bleak — is gone now.

I often didn’t dream of my future because my gaze was fixed on the past. The pain I had come through. The tragedies of the distant battles I had been through left a burnt past behind me that was smoldering.

My hope was deferred.

It took the Creator of the Universe to step in and guide me. He lead me beside quiet waters as He spoke new life into me. He taught me His ways. He told me He had each tear I had cried in His bottle of remembrance.

He spoke kindly to me as he told me my warfare was over; He had battled on my behalf and won the war!

Oh, the scars on my soul, heart and body of those distant battles remain but my heart has been restored. My soul no longer burdened. I have been set free.

If today you find ourself drowning in the pain of what happened yesterday, I tell you I have the answer.

If today you find your soul burdened and half dead due to the tragedies of yesterday, I tell you I have the answer.

If you feel your heart bleeding out as a result of betrayal, I tell you I have the answer.

I lived it. I know the battle and I know what freedom feels like.

I have found a God who tells me I can rest.

I have found a God who tells me He will carry my heavy burdens.

I have found a God who ladles His love into me, guides me, and protects me.

I pray today for you — that you will find Him, too.