Fear. All throughout Scripture Christ commands us not to fear. However, as humans that is easier said than done. Sometimes the circumstances of life can be so overwhelming, and you don’t know how to be unafraid. Sometimes the future can seem so dark and scary in that you don’t want to move for fear of what will or won’t happen next. It would be so much easier if we could just know what was around the bend, but as one of my favorite Amy Grant songs says, “Sometimes, it’s better not to know, which way its going to go, what will die and what will grow, it’s better not to know.”
Those are simple but very true words. We may not know what is next in life, but there is one who does, and His name is Jesus. I have never been more grateful for His presence than I have been in this season.
If you have been following my journey for the past year or so, you know that I have been having some serious health problems. In January of 2015, I had my colon removed and following that spent over five weeks in the hospital due to life-threatening complications. Following that, has been a huge recovery process, but in November things started to get worse again. After several months of pain and problems with my ostomy, I saw my surgeon in March and he told me news that I didn’t want to hear — more surgery. More surgery for me could be complicated and very risky, but it has to be done. Dr. Dobson said there are possibly partial blockages and scar tissue but he will not know the extent of what is going on until he goes in. Due to my previous surgeries, this one is not going to be easy and there are more risks involved than normal — we are not sure what to expect or even how long I will be in the hospital. Because of what happened last year, not knowing more details has been hard, and I have been fearful of the outcome.
However, the Lord has so gently and lovingly reminded me this week of all the times He commands in His word not to fear or be afraid. Jesus is my everything, and He deserves my full obedience in all circumstances. No matter what occurs, God wants me to obey His word and trust Him. The situation is out of my control so worrying about it is not going to change anything. But there is one thing I can control and that is my choice to trust the Lord and surrender my will to His which means trusting Him with my life and believing that He is powerful enough to handle what comes my way.
[clickToTweet tweet=”If I believe Jesus like I say I do then I should be fearless. ~@ameliamcneilly” quote=”If I believe Jesus like I say I do then I should be fearless. The only person I need to fear is God, and He will take care of the rest. “]
Lately, as I have been meditating on different Scripture passages related to this, God has given me a peace that passes all understanding. My circumstances have not changed, but my heart has. As 1 John 4:18 says, “perfect love casts out all fear.” Other verses that have encouraged me are:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~Isaiah 41:10
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” ~John 14:27
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Matthew 6:34
In closing, I want to thank all of you for your encouragement and prayers. It means so much to me. Several have asked how they can specifically be praying for me leading up to the surgery so I have decided to send out an email with regular prayer requests and updates regarding my surgery. The surgery is set for May 20, and I would love for you to be a part of my squad of prayer warriors cheering me on in this journey.
Send me a message by visiting this link and I will add you to the list. Thanks friends!
https://ameliamcneilly.com/contact/
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