Did You Really Understand This, friend?

Yesterday we shared that you can experience the peace of God even while you are afraid, and maybe today you're already wondering why that doesn't seem to work for you. That's why today we're going to look into it further.

You may well ask, why is it that even though I believe in God, I still have these great fears that have me completely in their grip?

Do you feel paralyzed in some way? Paralyzed by your fears? Paralyzed by the circumstances that have come up in your life? When we’re paralyzed by something, it means something is taking away our strength.

Is that how you feel? Is something taking away your strength, friend? Is it your fears? And you wonder why—despite your faith—you can't get a handle on them?

I was very touched by this verse, which comes from a parable Jesus tells. It says, "...others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19 NIV)

At the risk of all of us feeling caught here, I have to ask this question, "Can it be that we are always afraid and also become powerless because we trust worries more than Jesus?"

If you answered yes here, then I wish you would invest even more time in your relationship with Jesus starting today, because you will never get your fears under control if the foundation is not firm.

You will only be sure of yourself in life when you are sure of your relationship with Jesus!

Only when you give Jesus first place—before your own plans, before your job, before who you think you are—will He also show you how He takes first place—the place BEFORE your fears—and gives you peace so you can gain strength and joy again!

Don't let your fears have a grip on you, when Jesus already has a stronger grip on your fears!

friend, does Jesus have first place in your life? We should ask ourselves this question every morning. Why don’t you try that, starting today, until there is no question about Jesus' place in your life!

You are a miracle!