week six.

so many good things wrapped up in this past week's lesson.

number one. i was reminded of what a major thing it is to be afraid. fear is the fiery dart of the Enemy. satan loves to try to use our fear to bring us down and turn us away from God. but happily, we have scripture to comfort, embolden, and calm us when we are feeling fearful.

nothing will ever happen to you..

01. that is a mistake. (psalm 139.4 & 16)

02. that you cannot handle by God's power and grace. (2 corinthians 12.9-10)

03. that will not eventually be used for some good purpose in your life. (romans 8.28-29)

04. apart from God's presence. (matthew 28.20)

05. that God does not already know about. (jeremiah 29:11a)

number two. i needed to be reminded that my perfectionist attitude is a stumbling block to me. as beth says, 'God isn't interested in our stellar performance..' but rather, as 1 samuel 16.7 tells us, 'the Lord looks at the heart.' our heart. meaning our motives and conduct and attitude. therefore, i need to ask myself..

is my intention to go about doing this thing for the glory of God, or for self-promotion?

am i doing this job with a motive that is pure and right and with a readiness to follow Him?

take Moses, for example. he was no perfect speaker, and yet God chose Him to be one of the most influential speechmakers of all time. God wants us to be willing and obedient, He is not looking for perfection.

number three. another reminder about fear. when i am in the middle of a frightening circumstance, the situation may not change- but i can. in philippians we are told not to be anxious about anything, but to present our requests to God. and if we do this, we are given the hope that 'the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds..' i can have absolute peace in the midst of a scary moment, if i would just give my troubles to my loving Savior. as one of my favorite hymns prompts me..

'oh, what peace we often forfeit,

oh, what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.'

number four. beth directed us to read 2 peter 1.3-4, and boy was that a good read. i know i have read that verse before, but it was as if i had forgotten that it existed. this time it held such great encouragement and meaning. i love encountering an old verse with a new viewpoint. i am going to underline it in my bible this very minute so i will never forget it again.

coming up on wednesday.. a special announcement about the chapter ahead.