Walking With John预览

   

Don’t Be Troubled or Afraid 

By: Mari Jo Mast 

It takes faith to believe God is with you when hard times hit. I’ll never forget the night our little grandson’s blood sugar spiked so high that it wouldn’t register on the blood glucose monitor. He was one year old. I felt angry at the enemy and betrayed by God. How could this happen when the Word says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8b)? I felt isolated and alone, like He didn’t care or hear my prayers. 

In the beginning of that trial, I completely forgot about the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life. The enemy wanted me to feel hopeless, and I went to bed completely devastated. My husband and I were already standing in faith for divine healing with another member of our family. Satan wanted us to think we had zero power, and to give up all hope. 

I will always remember how the Holy Spirit spoke to me that night as I lay in a fetal position, wallowing in fear and despair. What He declared broke my fear into a thousand pieces and delivered peace inside of me instead! The Spirit of Jesus was with me. I was not abandoned, even though I didn’t feel Him and even though I had forgotten He was with me. He was there all along. 

With a distinct and clear message! He spoke truth (it echoed on and on and on). Jesus declared that my grandson was and is a healthy baby. Even though what I saw in the physical realm was very different from what He was decreeing, I agreed with His proclamation. I know God speaks truth, and it’s my job to agree by faith, declaring with Him and believing, regardless of what my eyes tell me. 

Dear sister, when the enemy comes against us full force, we can know God still is for us, no matter what (Romans 8:31-39)! When we feel abandoned and alone, it is not true. Jesus is with us all of the time. He gives us everything we need in order to overcome, through the person of the Holy Spirit! Even when we forget, He is with us and helps us! We have this hope because God never fails in keeping His promises  (John 14:26-29 NLT).

My friend, John 14 assures us Jesus’ Spirit resides in us; we don’t need to fear. He died so we could have a relationship with our beautiful Heavenly Father through His Spirit. He dearly loves us, and wants to bring freedom into every area of our lives. 

Do you believe in Jesus? The gift of the Holy Spirit (our Comforter, Helper, and Advocate) comes through believing and surrendering—putting our hope in His finished work on the cross. Can you trust in His inherent goodness, even when you feel hopeless? 

As a believer, you hold inside of you the most treasured gift in the whole wide world. You have what the world could never give you—peace of heart and mind. Continue to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing. 

If you want to believe, repent of your sins and ask Jesus to come live inside of you. Receive the promise of His indwelling Spirit by faith. This is where your victory lies—freedom from anxiety, worry, and fear. 

Jesus never leaves those who put their trust in Him! No matter what you’re facing, read God’s Word and listen to His Spirit, who teaches you all things. And pray. Talk to God about absolutely everything. He genuinely cares about the trials you face. Your relationship with Him will steadily grow deeper and more vibrant. 

Something to always remember: God speaks truth—it’s your job to believe and agree with what He says, regardless of your circumstances. He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). 

One word from the Holy Spirit who dwells in you has the power to obliterate (utterly wipe out) your greatest fear. He is with you all of the time; only believe. 

Questions to Ponder 

-What hard things are you currently facing? Remember God is gracious. Even when you forget He’s with you, He’s there! He never leaves. 

-Ask Him for His counsel, direction, and help. 

 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” ~ Jesus, John 14:27 (NLT)