Never, Ever Be Afraid?

Growing up, I was always afraid of lots of things . . . thanks mostly to a mom who was afraid of lots of things.

Dogs, water, strangers, non-Christians, dentists, doctors, the chain gang, and many more, too many to name.

At the top of the list, after she conveyed these fears to me, was a fear of failure and the future.

What if I didn't make the honor roll?

What if I didn't get A's on my report cards?

What if I didn't get into the right college or receive a scholarship?

"What if" caused the fears about my future.

If I failed at all the "what if's," what did I have to hope for.  Bottom line, it was fear of the unknown.  I couldn't control the future or the unknown.

But someone else did, and still does!  Imagine my relief when I first read these words in Jeremiah:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,

 plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to

give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 

As the quote from Corrie ten Boom above so aptly states, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  

His faithfulness to us has been declared in Jeremiah, and it has been confirmed through the ages. 


There is nothing we need fear with His sheltering arms about us. 

 

Photo credit

Blessings,

   Sherrey

Shared with Joan at Reflections of His Grace:

and with Stacey at

What I Mean by "Righting"

I agree it is an odd usage for the word and not one we hear frequently.  And yet it seemed to fit a dual purpose.  It is my opinion that during my childhood and through a part of my adult life I was wronged by a parent.  Deep in my soul I feel a need to write that story out in order to find healing for myself and in the off chance of publishing my work.  More strongly, I feel that in writing my story I will also accomplish a righting of the wrongs that worked against me for so long.  It is a painful and slow process, and one I'm just beginning.  I don't know exactly how it will all work out but I firmly hope that in some way my writing might also help you.

As the verse of Scripture above, the Lord has plans for you and for me, "plans to prosper" us and "plans to give us a hope and a future."  Won't you come along with me?