Joanne Austin talks about the time when thieves broke in twice in the same month while she and her husband John lived in Africa. After the second break-in, Joanne experienced a crisis of faith. She no longer believed that God would protect her. Listen to her explain how she overcame her fear.
Click here to watch I'm Tired of Being Afraid
God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. On the one hand, this is a comfort. No matter what the circumstance, we can trust God to be with us. Moses promises the children of Israel, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
He also tells them, In Joshua 1:9, Moses tells the people, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
God promised his presence to the children of Israel, and he promises us that He will be with us, too. He’s everywhere. His presence provides light in the darkness. In fact, He is the light of the world.
On the other hand, we face God’s presence even when we behave badly, and we wish he wasn’t there to see us. Moses saw the burning bush God sent and learned about God’s mission for his life.
During that conversation, God told Moses how he would lead the children of Israel out of slavery and into the land he promised to them. Instead of embracing the mission, Moses tried to talk God out of making him part of the plan.
In the case of Moses, God’s presence inspired Moses to trust Him. In the same way, God’s presence inspires us to trust Him. He came to live among us on earth, and when he returned to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us.
God is present with us in all places, in every circumstance, during every conversation and every crisis. Even sometimes when we wish he weren’t with us, He is still present.
When we are confused, God will guide us.
When we are afraid, God will protect us.
When we are tempted, God will help us resist.
When we are hurting, God will comfort us.
When we are discouraged, God will encourage us.
When we are lonely, God will be our friend.
How does knowing God is everywhere influence what you think, say, or do?
Are there any hidden areas of your life that you could turn over to your all-seeing heavenly Father?
How does having the God who created heaven and earth living inside of you make a difference in your life and in the lives of the people around you?
Is there any area of your life where you know you are not obeying God right now? Will you turn away from your disobedience and turn toward your ever-present God, trusting Him to change your heart and your actions?
Because God is present everywhere, He is always with me.
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