Faith

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I had to keep up. My short little legs were moving as quickly as possible without breaking out into an all-out run (something my lungs couldn’t handle!) I only had to drag one suitcase on wheels behind me and not loose sight of my leader. My husband likes to move quickly when we travel.

Last time I flew, I was on my own. I checked my luggage and kept wondering if I really didn’t need a boarding pass. I glanced at the clock; still over an hour before boarding would begin. I was always early because I was so nervous about missing my flight. What on earth would I do? I would be stuck on earth. That’s it. With a non-refundable ticket and no way to get to my meeting.

So I’m early. Most travelers would find a comfortable spot to watch T.V. or read. Not me. I keep looking at the clock and double-checking to be sure I have my ticket. Did I forget anything? Will they have the rental car waiting? What if they don’t? But then, what if they do? I don’t know my way around and I can’t read a map worth anything. I clutch my purse tightly. If I loose my money and cards then I’m truly doomed!

This panic feeling isn’t right and I know better. But, I just haven’t traveled alone enough to be comfortable with it. When I travel with my husband, however, I may have to move fast but I’m completely relaxed. He takes care of all the paperwork. He finds where to check the baggage. He figures out where our gate is and, get this: he finds a comfortable place to relax as we await boarding. Trace has flown all over the world and has this travel thing down. He never gets nervous. And his confidence and leadership make me feel secure. Even when we were once stranded on a Paris cobble-stone street late at night without accommodations (and speaking no French) he was not worried. (Irritated yes!) Me, I just had to keep up. No thinking, no worrying. This is how I prefer to travel.

Life can be much like traveling: we can either be in charge and do lots of worrying, or we can learn to follow the Lord. And, of course, the Lord is a much more reliable leader than Trace. He is control of everything and knows everything. He has promised never to leave us and to always lead us into what’s best. If we learn to follow and trust, we can learn not to worry. And, we can learn to enjoy the trip!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 emphasis mine) The Lord wants to lead you and remove the burdens of worry and fear from your life. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) The Lord is willing to take the reigns of our lives so we can learn to sit in the passenger seat and relax.
Why am I able to trust my husband? Because I know him very well. I know he would never hurt me, intentionally lead me into harm’s way, or leave me stranded in a scary place. How do we develop trust in our walk with Christ? Get to know Him well. Spend time alone with the Lord, both reading His Word and praying. It doesn’t have to be structured or formal; I enjoy my relationship with the God of the universe as I would a close friend. Sometimes I pray Scripture to Him, sometimes I worship, and sometimes I present needs. It’s also important to be quiet and learn to hear Him speak in that still, small voice. And, just as in human relationships, it takes time to get close. The Lord never intended for us to forge ahead through this difficult and dangerous world on our own.

When my daughter started kindergarten, she was terrified. She needed to learn how to ride the bus, but she was too scared. So, Mom and Dad followed the bus! She sat in the back watching us the whole time. When she needed to change busses, I was there helping her.

We all experience times when we’re frightened and not sure which way to go. Get to know the One who holds the universe in His hand and your welfare in His heart.

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