OCTOBER 14, 2023

  “Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” 

― Corrie ten Boom

ISAIAH 53-55

10Though the mountains be shaken

and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (54:10) 

1 THESSALONIANS 2

Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

JOURNAL 

Recently I was going through boxes and came across journals, planners etc. from when I was in High School and college. In particular was a journal entry from January 1990. It was the pending invasion of Iraq. There was so much negativity, uncertainty and now I sit here 33 years later and all of that concern and worry is far behind me. 

When I read scripture I am reminded that there was even greater cause for angst and worry and fear when these verses were written. Christians were being executed...to follow Christ put a target on you and guaranteed suffering and heartache. In the Old Testament the Israelites were losing the Kingdom, suffering, loss and slavery were all being experienced yet the prophecies remind us to not look to these things. We are told to throw off all those things that hinder us and drag us down...we are to look to Jesus and take joy and confidence in his love for us and that we have been redeemed and that God will make all things right. We don't have to fret and worry and despair. 

Considering my thoughts then vs all that transpired is pretty humbling. I was coming to Samford, to a whole new life, any worry of what could happen was a futile worry. God had greater plans than what I could ever have imagined. Regardless of what tomorrow brings...God has got this and it will be for his glory.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.