We all face fears at some point in our life, and they vary in degree for each one of us from the light to the extreme. And if we're all honest with ourselves, we never like being in that spot.
Here at First Baptist, we are in a spot of transition that could easily draw us into the place where we have fear. Fear of the unknown, fear about whether we'll be okay, fear of losing our identity, and the list goes on. Fear crushes hopes - not an option. Fear robs of us of risk taking - not an option. Fear steals our joy and replaces it with anxiety - not an option!
Fear, in scripture, is a holy, reverent fear and respect of and for God alone. That fear we will live with! We've said it from the beginning and will continue to shout it out, GOD IS IN CONTROL and has been from the start. Matthew 6 talks specifically about not worrying about anything, especially those things out of our control - which is most of life in reality!
I tell people all the time you can't worry and pray at the same time. Worry is our way of saying, "I don't think God can handle this one. It's just too big!" When we worry, our prayers get pushed to the back of our minds and we focus on the what ifs instead of the HE CAN.
So let me challenge ALL of you to do this one, simple thing: the next time you feel like you need to worry about something, especially the church, stop and thank God for what you have in that moment. Thank God for what you have in His church. Praise God for who He is and what He's done, is doing, and is ABOUT to do. Trust me - your heart and attitude toward the situation quickly begins to fade away. When we focus on Him - that's when it all starts to turn around.
So join me in praising and thanking God for His next steps for us as a family and for the city of Pocatello. No matter what, it will be greater than anything we could ever imagine!
Praying along with you!
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