It’s no secret, the current state of the world is bringing fear of the unknown to a lot of people.
This has been the number one topic when meeting with people for prayer. But what if we could exchange fear for PEACE? Even if the circumstances do not change, or get worse…we can have lasting peace!
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “exchange” means: the act or process of substituting one thing for another.
I would be doing a dis-service to you if I just told you to rely on yourself and “be more self-sufficient", “don’t worry be happy” , “have more me time”, “prepare the pantry” or “ignore it altogether.” The truth is there are real threats in this world as we know it. But through Jesus, The Prince of Peace, we can exchange fear for HIS PEACE that this world is unable to give.
We don’t have to “force” ourselves to be calm in the midst of uncertainty. God is already at work when we surrender our anxious thoughts to Him, our perspective shifts, and we trust HE is able and nothing is too hard for Him!
If we focus only on overcoming the fear, we miss a crucial part of the exchange. We cannot overcome in our own strength, by trying harder. There is always an action step toward Him putting our faith into motion. God doesn’t just tell us “Do not fear”, BUT pray in every situation, put your trust in Him, remember He is always with you, declare He is your shield. He tells us to stop fearing and what to focus on instead. When we don’t exchange for Kingdom focus we stay in a cycle of defeat, our efforts are ineffective because we’re trying to fight in our own strength over and over again. When we put our trust in God, fear loses it’s grip on us. Peace isn’t the absence of trouble; it’s the Presence of Trust!
Psalm 56:3- When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3-You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, and whose thoughts are fixed on you.
We cannot manufacture peace on our own, it’s the result of choosing to fix our eyes on Jesus rather than obsessing over what we cannot control.
❤️ I was reminded of these truths in my own life a little while ago. I received a call that my daughter and her children were involved in a car accident and were headed to the hospital. Our area was under a severe storm threat at the time with hail and heavy winds cautioning us not to travel. After hanging up the phone, my heart raced as I grabbed my purse and started to head out the door, and my thoughts starting to swirl about all the “what if’s”. BUT then I was stopped in my tracks, and sensed to “wait 5 minutes before leaving”, remembering God is already there with them, and HE is taking care of them, this did not take Him by surprise. I told the Lord, Thank you, His peace came upon me as I put my trust in Him. After 5 minutes, I left and literally pulled out to the main road…and the sunny skies opened up before me. Our family is okay. Thank You Jesus!
There has been alot of other things going on with my family right now, sorry I have not been on as often as I would like. But I thank the Lord for holding us in this time, and for your understanding, and continued prayers. ~love u
