Sweet readers, we have made it to the “ember” months! Fall is almost here!
Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE spooky season. I love scary movies and thrillers. Getting scared is fun for me…when it’s not real. But lately, my fear has been of “real” things. We all have been facing very real fears. The world is scary. And the most recent high school shooting at Apalachee High School has left many of us fearing the simple task of just sending our children to school for the day. Life is scary.
This week is my one year anniversary of heart transplant. And for those close to me, you know it’s been a lot of ups and downs. I have struggled with CMV (a virus that makes tranplant patients feel like they have mono) and harsh reactions to some anti-rejection meds. I’ve only recently felt some major relief with a new med change.
Enter my fear…
I am starting my fourth week of my new anti-rejection medication and it has been wonderful, save one thing. Every once in a while, I feel my heart flutter. I can’t tell if it’s a PVC or an actual arrhythmia OR if it’s completely in my head. I’m leaning toward the “in my head” answer. I will have my big one year check-up this week and will find out definitely if something is actually going on, but until then, I have been battling fear.
I use the word “battle” because that’s what I usually do. When I’m scared, I tend to battle it mentally before I turn to God. It’s a horrible habit. I tend to try to “handle” it on my own and that never goes well. You would think that at 47 I would have learned my lesson by now, but often I try to “fix things” myself before going to the Lord. I found myself in that situation a few nights ago. Fear so often tries to overwhelm us at night. Things get quiet and my brain starts to hyper-focus on my fears. As I was trying to rationalize things in my head, I realized I could just take this to God. <Duh> Talk to Him about my fears. Afterall, the Bible says,
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Read those words, again.
DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM WITH YOU
When we are scared, we must never forget that God is with us. Let Him comfort you. I know it sounds too simple, but He truly will show up for us in ways we could never imagine if we just call upon Him. He is faithful to bring us comfort beyond our understanding if we call upon Him. Trust Him with your fears. He will always bless you in those dark moments. Even when our circumstances are truly, overwhelmingly difficult, He will show up in ways we could never imagine. 
Father God, as we face the many fears of this world, I ask that you come along side us and bring us comfort. Let us realize that our circumstance DO NOT change who you are. Calm our fears and lead us through our valleys so that we may learn of your faithfulness and praise you during the storms.
Amen
