Tag Archives: Fear

What Has Frightened You Today

28 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

He really, really grabbed a snake. This past Sunday I was relaxing on my lounge chair beside our swimming pool and dozing off. Suddenly I heard a gasp; a second later, a splash.

“I thought it was a rope that fell in,” my Dad said, who’s completely blind and with a voice a bit agitated. “I grabbed it, but it was a snake.”
A snake? He grabbed a snake? Gulp. Friends, how quickly do you think I jumped to my feet and ran for cover? Not so much because the snake was slithering around the pool, but because my Dad, unable to know where I was seated, could’ve tossed it my way! I dashed and slipped behind the fence. With something protecting me I felt safe—shaken but safe.Okay, no more gasping.
But, why was I so worked up? I’ve been there before. Life threw at me snakes of adversity. The venom went right through my heart with pain and sorrow.
Not a pretty place. You’re probably familiar with those unexpected problems, burdens, and confusing moments that slither right in. No warning. No clue. We’re relaxing in life, when least expected, we hear the splash of another disappointment—another glitch in life.
Maybe you’re there right now—overwhelmed with life and in the pool of anxiety. Or numb because of the bad news you just heard. Or the hopeless situation has emptied you of all the tears. And with the heat of sorrow, you’re too exhausted to run for cover.
Good news: when we’re attacked, helpless, on the verge of despair in this imperfect world, “The word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect” (Psalm 18:30-32).

Father, so often I feel attacked, in the midst of slithering enemies of confusion, worry and fear. Protect my days, shield my life and count me among those who put their hope in you. I will declare I am your child standing behind the fence of your grace. And while I wait for your answer, I shall rest secure and safe. In Jesus name, amen.

What has you frightened today?
• Who arms you with strength during tough times?
• Have God’s promises to keep you safe filtered deep into your soul?

Fear

Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
My website in English
En Español
My story (video)
Inspirational video just for you.

Tags: , , , , , ,

What fills your heart today—confidence or fear?

14 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Fear

Admit it. We all do crazy things. Bizarre things, really.

I’m sharing mine. A while back, I attended a conference. A friend jokingly asked, “Do you want to drive?

“Yes,” I said with a grin.

“Are you sure?”

“No,” I said, “the question is: are YOU sure you want me to drive your car?”

“Why not,”.

I slipped behind the wheel. “Okay, here we go.” I turned the key to the ignition, and changed gears as she gave me verbal instructions.

Being completely blind, driving a car had remained but a dream. But not anymore.

There I was, gripping  the steering wheel, feeling a bit in control, I listened to my friend. “Keep it straight now, a little to the left, now to the

Right just a bit, not much.”

Oh what Fun! Maybe you’re thinking, “How foolish.”  Perhaps I agree or perhaps not.

The reason I was able to drive her car was because she was with me sitting on the passenger’s seat. I trusted in her ability to give me instructions. I trusted in her direction and her wisdom to tell me what to do, where to turn and when to slow down.

Sometimes we’re all blind in one way or another. We take the steering wheel of life and head forward. Thinking we’re in control, bumps of adversity  catch us off guard. Then when the road gets really rough, fear  robs our confidence.

Conversely, we have the confidence to do anything at all if we know God is by our side.  We’re certain He’s guiding us,  pointing to the next spot in His plans. Reminding of His purpose for our lives. Repeating that He goes before us. Whispering He will guide us over bumps. Talking us through the dangerous curves and reassuring that He will not let us crash.

How about you? Instead of taking the wheel and pressing the gas of human wisdom, are you  listening to His divine directions? He might be asking you to slow down, to keep it straight, to take a detour. To make a sharp U-turn. Or even stop and pause to breathe in His Word.

Breathe in because “…God has said, “never will I leave you…never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”(Hebrews 13:5-6).

What fills your heart today—confidence or fear?

Tags: , , , ,

Newer Entries →