When I am Afraid, I Put My Trust In You…
So, I ran into my friend Roger while I was out on my run today. Roger and I were best friends growing up, but our lives have moved in different directions, so we don't see each other very often. I was telling him what was going on with me and how I'm going on the World Race in July. He asked me what countries I was going to, but all I got out was Albania (our first stop) when he said "Albania is too dangerous, I hope you are taking your gun". I sort of blew it off, because I'm pretty positive that guns are against the rules on this trip and I'm not really worried about it being dangerous. We got through with our conversation and I went back to running. While I was finishing my run the conversation stuck with me. I couldn't stop thinking about what he had said.
I realized that while the thought of taking a gun with me on the World Race was absolutely absurd right now, less than a year ago, I would have thought that was a totally logical idea. So, what has changed? The short answer is the Holy Spirit lives in me now. I trust in The Lord and I Do Not fear death. Fear ruled so much of my life before I had a foundation in Christ, but now it just isn't there. I know that this trip is righteous, and either God is going to protect this physical body or it is time for my soul to go join the party in heaven. Either way, what good would it do me to worry about it? I know what I have been called to do and I am grateful that the Holy Spirit is keeping the fearful thoughts out of my head.
I decided that I wanted to write about this, even though I already posted a Blog this week, because I just realized how completely different my character is with the Holy Spirit in me. When I was going through life without God in my life, fear was the #1 motivator in everything I did. I always acted like I was this tough guy, but truthfully I was terrified all the time. The tough guy act kept people from messing with me, so I kept it up just to be left alone. With God, the things that used to scare the S#%t out of me, barely even register in my mind anymore. I had been told most of my life that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). I always took this to mean that with God, I can do whatever I want. Now, I realize that this verse really means that even though I am sinful and weak, if my purpose is righteous and glorifies God, He will get me through it. I will leave you with a bible verse that I learned while working the power point in kids church a few weeks ago. (Psalm 56:3-4)When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (I'm tattooing this on my wrist as a reminder). Thank you, as always, for reading my Blog. Love Y'all!!!
