“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” –Helen Keller

For a lot of people, God is some distant, disconnected entity that doesn’t really care much about humanity. But, I disagree. I believe God is completely engaged, active and constantly wooing us to a deeper relationship with him. But, what does that look like?

In 1991, I started a journal. It was nothing more than me getting alone and capturing my thoughts on paper. Interestingly, I used a word processor to journal my thoughts and prayers. Here it is 17 years later, and I have pages and pages of journal entries. What I found fascinating is that after about 3 or 4 years of journaling, I started actually listening. Lord, do you have something to say me?

He did.

So, I started spending my mornings by praying and then listening. I would often change my font color to red and just start writing what I thought God was saying to me. It wasn’t an audible voice and some “Thus says the Lord…” prophetic declaration. It was a gentle, tender, quiet whisper deep into my thoughts. And, it was always in love. Always.

Over the years, my journey with God has grown so deep, so wonderful, so engaging and yet always growing, always changing, never stagnant.

It’s truly the most amazing journey I have ever experienced. And why keep this to myself, I thought. So, I started this blog, simply to share my journey with God, and share with you tips and ideas on how you can tap into that “still small voice” of the Divine that gently whispers and woos you.

Join me. Let’s listen together.

http://myjourneywithGod.com

Fear of failure has dominated my life for years. The need to succeed has driven the direction of my life. Always wanting to be good at what I do, I placed a high standard of accomplishment upon myself. Other times, people put those expectations on me.

But, fear of failure can have negative consequences. “Well, I can’t really do that, because I might not be able to finish.” Or does this sound familiar: “Even though I want to write a book, drive a car, get married someday, I just don’t want to risk the chance of failure.”

Year ago, I was praying about these expectations that were driving my life. I prayed, “Lord, I hate feeling like I have to accomplish everything and do everything. It’s just too much of a burden. I don’t want to fail these people. I don’t want to fail myself. And most of all, I don’t want to fail you.”

Then, I started thinking about my son. “Can he fail me?” No, he’s my son. He’s young and learning. He’s curious, but transparently honest. Yes, he makes mistakes at times, but he has never failed me. I love him for who he is, not for what he does.

It was at that moment that I felt God say to me the same words, “Russell, you are spiritually young, and you are learning. You are curious, but honest. You make mistakes at times, but you have never failed me. I love you for who you are, not for what you do.”

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39).

Immediately, I felt as if God had released me from all of the expectations he had on me–succeeding, achieving, accomplishing, always moving forward, never failing. I felt like he had given me the opportunity to fail. Now, let me clarify one thing–God was not giving me a license to disobey. God calls us to obedience. But, I felt he was giving me the opportunity to fail.

I encourage you to pray and ask God to show you what he requires of you. I think if you really listen and read the Bible, you will find that God loves you for who you are, not for what you accomplish. Jesus explains the only two requirements that are required of us: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

This week, find some way to invest your “talents”, take some Godly risks and don’t be afraid of failing. God loves you for who you are.

Prayer: Father, please reveal to me any unhealthy expectations. Show me your expectations. Show me how to release those things that are not of you. Open up my heart to receive your love.

I like running. Actually, let me rephrase that: I like the benefits of running. I don’t enjoy the actual act of running. It’s tiring. My body aches. My knees throb. I sweat like a horse. There is really nothing fun about it, now that I think about it.

But, I do enjoy the benefits of running: increased endurance, stronger heart, better breathing, reduced stress, lower body weight. (Notice I didn’t say “low” body weight.) Yes, the benefits are good, but the work is not fun.

When I think of what it takes to overcome panic attacks and crippling fear, I think of running a race:

• A lot of work is required.
• You have to push yourself.
• It takes endurance.
• You can’t give up.
• There is a finish line.

“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” (Hebrews 12:1b).

To run this race, you need to “throw off everything that hinders you.” When it comes to jogging, I wouldn’t go out there in a three-piece suit. I wear my jogging clothes and running shoes. In this race against fear, do you “clothe” yourself with mental hindrances like doubt and hopelessness, or physical hindrances like too much caffeine or poor eating habits?

Throw off everything that hinders you–even sin. According to the Bible, sin can entangle you when you run this race for peace. But, if you confess your sin, God is faithful and just to forgive you of your sin (1 John 1:9). Don’t let sin entangle you. With Jesus at your side, you can be free to run this race.

I believe with all of my heart that a finishing line of peace awaits everyone who runs this race. Not just in death, but also in this life. It will take some work. You will have to push yourself. You will need endurance. You can’t give up. And most of all, you’ve got to focus on the Goal.

Prayer: Father, give me the strength and endurance I need to run this race. Encourage me with your promises and your presence. Strengthen me physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Let’s run this race together.

by Angela Pond

It was Halloween night when my husband and I were awakened by a phone call about midnight. A friend of mine needed some help.

Prior to this night, I had been meditating on this one scripture from Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Knowing that my friend needed my help, I threw on some clothes and headed out the door. It was a crisp, fall night, so I rolled down my windows as I started the half-hour journey to her house.

Suddenly, I had this thought, “You know, it’s Halloween night, and there’s lots of satanic stuff that’s going on right now.” As soon as I had that thought, I was consumed with the most intense fear I have ever experienced. All I could do was quote Isaiah 41:10 over and over. Immediately, the fear left.

As I continued driving, I had another thought, “Well, at least roll up the windows. That will keep you safe.”

Now, I was starting to get mad, “No! I will not give in to fear. I will not obey you, fear!” I kept my windows down and enjoyed the nice, cool air.

I made it to my friend’s house quickly. It became obvious that God was with me the entire time, because during my drive I saw four policemen along the way. It was as if God was saying, “No need to fear my daughter. I am with you. I will protect you.”

I believe God was preparing me by putting his Word into my heart prior to that night. God is so faithful!

Prayer: Lord, when fear starts to shout and command, please strengthen me so that I will not give in to its demands.  Father, I put my trust in you.

It was a cheap toy. I’m still not quite sure where we got it, but this little, lime-green spinning top was Caleb’s favorite toy.

At three years old, he couldn’t spin it. Every now and then, he’d ask us to spin it for him. He enjoyed watching it balance and spin almost miraculously on its tip. You could tell from the expression of his face that he really wanted to know how that thing worked. Even more, he wanted to learn to spin it himself one day.

It was early in the morning when Caleb came running into my office. “Daddy?” he asked. “Will you spin it for me?”

I stopped what I was doing and spun the cheap toy a few times. As before, his eyes were glued to this spinning object. Occasionally, he would turn to me and smile and giggle.

“I wanna spin it,” asked the curious three-year-old. I took his hand in mine and showed him how to snap his fingers. With my hand over his, I went through the motions of grasping the top’s handle between the fingers.

Then, I sat back and watched him try.

He fumbled around with the top a few times. Then, with one smooth motion, he spun the top. I was surprised! He was surprised! We both started shouting, “Yeah!” It was an exciting time.

For most, it may have been no big deal. For my son and me, it was a special time. A time of teaching, a time of learning. Most of all, it was a time of rejoicing.

Life is very similar. We have so many things we fumble around with, unable to do because of inexperience or even fear. Yet, our Father takes our hands and our heart and gently goes through the motions with us. He shows us how to do those things we kept telling ourselves we can’t do. He shows us how to spin those tops.

But, God doesn’t stop there. Just as me and my son shouted with excitement, your Father rejoices with you in your victories. His heart leaps with yours as you put into motion what your Father has taught you.

“Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD…” (Ps 94:12a).

Prayer:  Father, I’ve been fumbling too long with the things of my life.  Please take my hands into your hands, my heart into your heart, and let’s spin the things of life together.  I will trust you.

Change can be uncomfortable. In March of 1999; I went through a season of change in my life–a change that many people are experiencing today in this economy. After ten years of service with this company, I was laid off without warning.

I remember that morning so clearly. It started off just like any other Monday morning, but I had no idea what was coming. At 10:00 am, my boss walked up to me and said, “Russ, we have to let you go. You need to be out of here by 5:00 pm.” What started out as a typical Monday morning quickly became a life-changing experience in just a matter of hours.

At first, I was kind of numb. Ten years at one job was a long time. Yet, as my boss walked out of my office that day, I began to weep–not at the job loss; not at an uncertain future; not even at the abrupt ending of my income. No. When I wept, I was weeping over God’s goodness. I had no idea what the next day held, but I knew God was good, and he could be trusted. My life, my future, my family was really in his hands. I was already in God’s hands before that Monday morning, but now the revelation of that truth had come to life.

Months passed with no promising offers. An interview here; an interview there. Nothing came my way. I was riding the roller coaster of emotions. Yet, I knew deep down that God would not fail me. I could trust him.

One morning, I got a call from a local company. We talked for a bit, and then I went in that very day for an interview. By the end of the interview, they had verbally offered me the job. In a matter of hours–just like that day in March–my life had changed.

When I look back over the past four months of unemployment, it was a good time–times of rest; times of seeking God; times of divine provision; times of prayer. And yes, even times of questioning God. I figured if David and Jesus could ask “why” (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34), then surely it’s okay for me to ask “why”. Yet even in my questions, God proved himself faithful.

I could have battled all the “what if’s” and spent endless hours worrying and stressing over my situation, but I chose not to. I knew God could be trusted. I knew he would provide for us. So, I decided to rest, and let God bring about the right job at the right time.

I want to encourage everyone reading this that God can be trusted. No matter if it’s unemployment, fears, family problems, marital issues, personal struggles or just questioning your faith, God is there for you. Through his Son, Jesus, God is ready to help you through any problem, any situation and any circumstance.

Jesus said, “So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life–whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:25-34).

Prayer: компютриFather, I want to trust you more. I want to understand your heart, your will, your desires for me. I want to live in your faithfulness, because you are completely and totally faithful. Today, I choose to trust you. I choose to not listen to me circumstances. I will rest in you.

I have been told by those who have experienced panic disorder and found freedom that relinquishment is the key to that freedom.

So, what does that mean? What does it mean to relinquish yourself to God? In the dictionary, relinquishment means “to let out of one’s possession or control completely; to abandon one’s self.”

The world teaches that when fear and panic strike, you need to take control of your life. “Get a hold of yourself Russell!” or “Get a grip!” Yet, Jesus says, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

A few years ago, a lady wrote to me and shared her story. It illustrates this principal of relinquishment:

———–
I have been house bound with panic attacks for the last 15 years, only having ventured out of my home 3 or 4 times. I live in a very small town where going to a doctor is really very simple but, for me, it was a nightmare just going to the car.

In late March I became very ill with kidney failure and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. I was more afraid of the fear than of my kidney problem. After accessing my problem, I was immediately air lifted to another hospital about 400 miles from home. As I was being placed in the plane for transport, I told my son ‘good-bye’, as I didn’t think I was going to make it. I was near death or, so I thought. In the plane, I began to speak with God and make peace with him. I suddenly became very calm and peaceful. I had no fear at all and became very aware of my surroundings. I looked out the small window of the plane and admired the beauty of the clouds.

When I got to the hospital, I was placed on dialysis and my month long stay in hospital was a “touch and go” situation but, still no fear.

When time came for my release from hospital, my husband drove me the 400 miles home, and I was amazed that I could not even remember what a panic attack felt like. I am convinced that God allowed me to feel the fear of dying so that I might be able to cope with the fear of living.

Today, I am able to go out to restaurants, shopping, go to movies….do all the things I have not been able to do for 15 years. God saved my life in more ways than one. Yes, there will always be some anxiety but, that is normal in life and I am now able to cope with it, with God’s help.
———–

mebeli
Although Linda’s experience with relinquishment came as a result of sickness, God revealed to her that freedom comes when you simply trust him with your life–when you give him complete control.

Prayer: Lord, I give you control. Help me to relinquish my vain efforts, to rid myself of any worldly coping techniques. Help me to trust you more.

A man and his son were playing in the snow one day. Pointing to a tree off in the distance, the father said, “Son, let’s have a contest. We will both walk straight toward that tree. The contest is not to see who gets there first. Rather, the winner is the one who can have the straightest path in the snow.”

The son agreed, and the father said, “Go.” As each one moved closer and closer to the tree, the son carefully placed one foot in front of the other. He watched his feet closely to make sure each step was exactly in line. He didn’t rush. He stepped. Analyzed. Stepped. Verified. Stepped. On and on.

When the boy finally reached the tree, his father was already there waiting for him. As the son glanced back at the two paths, he noticed that his path snaked through the snow. His father’s path, on the other hand, looked straight as an arrow. Dumbfounded, the son questioned, “I don’t understand. I took my time. I watched each and every step. Yet, my path was crooked. Why?”

The father responded, “Son, to keep your path straight, don’t watch where you step. Keep your eye on the goal.”

What a paradox: when we walk step by step, focusing on our feet, we often stumble. But when we take our eyes off our steps and fix them on the goal, we can walk a straight and narrow path. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Paul said, “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14).

Prayer: Father, as I focus my eyes upon Jesus and follow him in all my ways, make my footsteps straight–a perfect path to peace.

P.S. My son, Caleb, and I made a video about this message. If you would like to see it, you can click here to view the video message.

It was dinosaur day at the local mall. The giant robots were so realistic. The mammoth models would move and growl like real dinosaurs. It was an exciting time for the kids.

When Caleb was 3 years old, he was fascinated with dinosaurs We figured he would love to see the exhibit. As we walked into the mall, his eyes lit up when he saw the figures from afar.

As we came closer to the largest one, the T Rex, the growl grew louder and the eyes more fierce. Caleb was filled with excitement…and fear. His voice quivered when he pointed to the giant that hovered over us.

I tried reassuring him that it was only a model and that dinosaurs don’t live anymore, but he was still consumed with the lifelike figures.

“Caleb? Hold my hand and I will help you. There’s no need to be afraid.” As we walked through the mall, his hand gripping mine, he began to enjoy the displays.

“Daddy! Daddy! Look at that one!” he shouted with excitement. “Over there! Look over there!” From fear to excitement, Caleb enjoyed the exhibit. Most of the time, he held firmly to my hand. Other times he gripped tightly around my neck.

He felt secure. He felt safe. His fear turned to joy when he walked with his father.

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

From a dinosaur model to the realities of life, fear takes on many forms. Although the reasons for the fear, in many cases, may only be perceived, our response is very real.

Let me encourage you to take hold of your Father’s hand. Heed his words, “Do not fear.” When you take your Father’s hand and start walking, what once seemed fearful will become exciting. You can walk past the “dinosaurs” of life with a new confidence, a new peace, a new perspective, holding your Father’s hand.

Prayer: Father, take my hand in yours and lead me through the crises of life, turning my doubt into excitement, my fear into anticipation. Help me to trust you, hold on to you, in every situation.

Fear has a way of making us believe things that are not true. Panic attacks epitomize this. For more than 20 years, I was convinced that I was going crazy or had some terrible, life-threatening disease. Yet, this was not true. For more than 20 years, I believed a lie. Let me share another story about a man who believed a lie for more than 20 years.

Jacob was a proud father. His twelve sons must have brought him tremendous joy. There was one son, though, of whom he was most proud. His son, Joseph. He was so proud of this young son, that he made a special robe for him–a robe of many colors. That gift to Joseph represented his father’s favor.

The older brothers were jealous of Joseph, and decided to get rid of him. In a fit of envy, they sold Joseph to some Midianite traders. To cover their wickedness, they took his special robe and doused it with the blood of a goat. When they went back to their father, they handed it to him and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe” (Genesis 37:32).

Immediately, Jacob cried out in misery, “It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces” (v33). His favorite son was gone, or so he thought. He simply saw the evidence, and believed a lie.

Years passed, and Joseph became governor over all Egypt. During the famine, his brothers came seeking food. They did not recognize their younger brother. But, after a few discussions with them, Joseph eventually revealed himself to them.

When the older brothers went back to tell their father that Joseph was still alive–to tell him the truth–Jacob could not believe it (Genesis 45:26). Eventually, Jacob did learn that Joseph was alive. But for more than 20 years, Jacob believed a lie.

When panic strikes, the evidence seems very real. Something must be terribly wrong–a rapid heart beat, shallow breathing, numbing hands, pain, terror. Yet, we do nothing to track down the truth. We simply accept that the evidence is real.

How long have you believed the evidence?

Today, I encourage you to track down the truth. Had Jacob investigated this story of an attack, he might have learned the truth and saved himself years of anguish. Ask God to help you find the truth. Once you find it, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Prayer: Father, I will no longer believe the lies of my enemy. Reveal to me the truth, O Lord, your truth and love that I may believe and be set free. Give me the strength and courage I need to “track down the truth” whether it’s physical or spiritual, past or present, real or perceived.