As you remember, Karon had a wonderful guest blog on February 1st. Karon’s new book “Unafraid” so perfectly fits for my 2010 theme “Living Fearlessly”…
Some of the questions Karon posted at the end of her blog:
- What change are you facing now? What has your response been – to fear or to build?
- How have you overcome a fear of change in the past, or what have you learned from your fear in the past that helps you now when change happens?
- Why do you think we fear change so, and how do you think God wants us to respond to it in our lives?
I haven’t handled some of my life chances well; honestly I down right struggled. My dad’s death, my move the US, my son moving out just to name a few. Today, I do not want to share anything from my past, but would like to respond to Karon’s first question. I want to encourage you with my words…
Girls, I am turning 50 this year!?! Standing before a fork in the road I am wondering what I would like to do with the rest of my life…
Several weeks ago I open my Bible to the epistle of James. The following verses the Lord impress upon my heart:
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” ~ James 4:13-15 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
James is telling us not to look too far ahead. Hm, interesting…Don’t get me wrong; I still make plans and have dreams for the future…but I am looking now first to get His approval to move ahead. I am not waiting to see a direct sign from heaven, however I know that He has my blue-print of life in His beautiful hands. He will open or close doors.
I am excited to step out in faith, knowing that He will be there all the way. I know that I will still encounter valleys but that does not strike me with fear. He has a pretty good ‘track-record’ in my life. He is always ready to send someone special into my day to encourage me.
Sweet one, I know that this life is not easy. God placed some special women in your life as well. They are more than willing to share your fears, dreams and hopes by praying over you. Don’t be afraid to ask your girl friends to stand by you. I am blessed and thankful that I have these special women in my life…they help me to live life with less fear.
Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: Live life for the here and now…giving your hopes and dreams to Him; He has your blue-print in His hands.
My series based on Max Lucado’s book “Fearless” will continue on March 8th. I hope you will join me than again for “Living Fearlessly in 2010″…
Iris, welcome to the 50’s club of women. I actually have loved being in my 50’s. It’s been totally freeing to just be me – the me the Lord desires me to be.
Good advice, don’t look too far ahead. I’ll also add keep short accounts.
Have a blessed week my fearless friend.
Be blessed all the days of your life dear one, love you very much.
Iris, thank you again for partnering with us for our tour, and thanks for all your insights and words of wisdom 🙂 May God bless you and strengthen you and lead you always in His grace!
love, karon
ps: turning *only* 49 this year, but can I join your club?!
Hi Iris,
Thank you for sharing this good advice. I pray God blesses you as you trust Him.
Hugs,
Bethany
Oh Iris, this post is a direct hit today. I’m terrible when it comes to change. I don’t handle it very well at all. Lately I’ve had to deal with quite a few in my life and I’m still struggling. I have a few things God is placing on my heart but again I fear leaving the familiar and going into unfamiliar terrain.
Love this paragraph,
“I am excited to step out in faith, knowing that He will be there all the way. I know that I will still encounter valleys but that does not strike me with fear. He has a pretty good ‘track-record’ in my life. He is always ready to send someone special into my day to encourage me.”