Tonight, I had the privilege of sharing with the Growth Track, a four-week class that we have at Life Fellowship Church. We were talking about habits in our lives that can help us grow in our walk with God. Those habits are prayer and Bible study, fellowshipping with other believers, giving of our time, money and talents, and living a spirit-led life; each of them are vital to our spiritual growth.
My “section” to share about was living a spirit-led life, and how the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us, if we will let Him. I talked about Tucker, our grandson, and how the Holy Spirit had comforted me in such specific ways through Tucker’s diagnosis of a congenital heart defect. When I talked about what I learned during this time, I cried (as I often do - not a shock to anyone who knows me!).
But I don’t want to let my emotions get in the way of what I’m trying to communicate, and I don’t want people to think that I’m crying because the story is sad. On the contrary, I cry because I am in awe to think that the God of the universe knows me, and is willing and able to teach me so much about His love for me! What an incredible mystery - that in the midst of difficult times in my life, God is able to replace fear and sadness with comfort and peace.
Even more amazing - that this omnipotent God is able to do the same thing for every one of us. What Satan may intend for evil and destruction in our lives, God can redeem for His Glory! I am so incredibly thankful for the peace that passes understanding, for the hope that God gives us in ANY situation - if we are willing to be still, to know that He is God, that nothing is a surprise to Him.
The lessons that God is teaching me about letting the Spirit lead and about trusting in His goodness have been life-changing. There is nothing in this world to fear - not an earthquake experienced this week by our daughter and her family on the other side of the world; not sickness; not the economy; not the uncertainty of life. If we are Christ-followers, we have the “blessed assurance” of knowing that He is with us.
Someone needs to hear that right now.
