Don't be Afraid - Just Believe!

Wow it has been a while since I posted - hadn't realized how much time has passed. I wanted to share a little about what God has been teaching me. God is so good and when we take time to spend with Him you change. Your situation may not change, but how you look at your situation changes for the better!

When I left my position in Children's Ministry I was heart broken because I loved what I got to do. I loved the team I got to work with, but in the end, I knew it was God who was taking me away. (more on all of that at a later date).  I didn't completely know why God was moving me but I knew it was Him. I tried to look past the hurt and look to the future. Since I wasn't working a full-time job I could do the Thorn Tour, the whole thing. Teaching kids about the Love of God is great but to be able to use my love of theater and the love of teaching the Gospel through something as wonderful as the Thorn, God certainly had to bless that! Guess what - He took that away too. I have to be honest with you, I was mad, at God! It was short lived but I cried out to God; Why did you take from me the two things I loved to do for you?

Everyone kept telling me; "God has something BIG in store for you" but I could not believe that. I finally got to the point where I would respond, "How do you know? Has God told you something He's not telling me?" I just could not believe that God has something better in store for me.  Until now! I'm not mad at God anymore, I know He has a plan and a purpose for me and I'm learning to wait on Him. Learning to Lean on Him!

Like all good pastors I have several Bibles! My favorite Bible is my Worship Bible! It has songs, quotes and prayers throughout the Bible but it also has one of my favorite things - Love Letters from God called My Beloved.  Before leaving my position in Children's Ministry I had prayed the dangerous prayer Jesus prayed in the garden; "Father not my will, but Your will be done." I knew right away something was about to happen. I didn't know what, and I never thought it was going to be what I'm walking through, but I am so thankful for God's will and not mine.
I want to share one of the My Beloved love letters that I read after praying that prayer and before I left Seacoast Church. God lead me back to it recently and I'm so thankful for His Word, His Plan and most importantly His Will in my life! Remember to read this as a letter from God himself...

"I have something important for you to understand. Our relationship is based on My faithfulness. Your faith may wax and wane, but My faithfulness endures forever! I will never let you go. So put your trust in me. In every situation, remember these words; Don't be afraid, Just believe!

I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. But this will only happen if you put your hope in me, and live according to my Word.

Don't be afraid, just believe. That is your responsibility in our relationship. Believe that My love for you is unfailing, believe and trust in My goodness. And when you get discouraged, quickly turn to me; call out to Me for help and I will deliver you from trouble. 

My faithfulness will be your shield and your fortress. I will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Me, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of My spirit.

Don't be afraid, just believe. Be strong and courageous, for I am with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. I will never betray My faithfulness. I am the Lord; when you hope in me you will not be disappointed! 

Don't be afraid - Just Believe!"

I hope you find a nugget in this and remember not to be afraid, but to believe in the One who holds you in the palm of His hand! Be blessed today and always!