"Come," he replied, "and you will see." John 1:39

My husband and I started out the day playing Lumosity games together for fun, laughs, and maybe even to ward off the fear of losing our minds. We're not losing our minds because we have six young kids and a moose for a dog (so many blessings, right?)--but because of those six kids, the thought of losing our mental faculties in old age is even more frightening. I mean I'm already mentally planning play dates with my future grandchildren!

Why do we let fear and worry have such control in our lives? Fear is faith in the enemy, the liar... F.alse E.vidence A.ppearing R.eal.

Isaiah 9:6 states Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace... Phil. 4:19 says He will provide for all our needs - so then why are we so inclined to default to fear and worry?

I find a good example of dealing with fear in Luke 2:8-15. Go ahead I'll wait while you read it.

Did you notice in verse 9 that when the glory of the Lord shone around them their reaction was terrified fear? Isn't His presence supposed to bring peace and strength?! I believe it does but we must be willing to give Him a heart of flesh willing to receive Him rather than a stubborn heart of stone.

The shepherd did experience fear like all humans do but as you see in verse 15 the shepherds reaction was "Let's go..." to God. They wanted to receive Him. They were willing to let go of fear and allow His peace to be received into their hearts right THROUGH their fear! They didn't allow their fear to freeze them into a stone of ineffectiveness.

Now look at John 1:35-39.

Jesus asks two men "What do you want?" What if God asked you that? What would you say? The two men gave an answer I want to heed in my life. They answered with a question back, "Where are you staying?" Jesus answers, "Come, and you will see." Interesting that Jesus didn't give specific directions complete with land markers and an exact address. No, He said walk with Me. Just come with Me and see.

So often we want specific answers to our fears and worries but Jesus just says

“Trust Me, walk with Me and you will see. You will see how I am faithful and provide for all that you need, that my strength is perfect in weakness. My grace is sufficient."

Today I pray to choose to respond like the shepherds. To allow His peace and strength to come through my fear and worry and take His perspective on my situation and circumstances. I choose to go and see and not remain frozen in fear but to walk with Him one trusting step at a time because He who promised is faithful!

So where are you staying? I'm staying with Jesus.

Independent Read: Ezekiel 36:26

Janette Kieffer
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