What Lies Within

Today is day 17 of (at home) quarantine. I am sure most of you can relate with a similar amount of days. The best day in all of the craziness was March 24th when Noah surprised me and proposed to me in the the neighborhood gazebo! Most of these quarantine days have consisted of reading the bible, cooking new recipes, reading long-awaited novels, yoga, bike riding, movies with my sister, doing minor preparations for wedding planning, face-timing my fiancé, and other things. Before my Dad got sick with fever and other horrible symptoms, I was able to babysit, ride, see Noah and spend time at the barn. Thankfully after keeping ourselves in this long Dad has lost his fever and symptoms and is recovering--and none of us girls (mom, Liz, or I) have gotten sick! Disinfectants are prevailing throughout the house daily, and we all are continuing to pray and do our best to be responsible during this CRAZY time.

Sometimes it can seem like there are so many threatening things in life. So far thousands of Americans and people from other places have died of COVID19. After learning more about it, it kind of seems like the disease of my worst nightmares. It can directly attack your lungs and you see, I have asthma. Lots of people deem it necessary to remind me that I am at high risk due to my condition. It almost feels like a helpful reminder to be terrified each time someone tells me this. For all you asthma people out there, not being able to breathe is like a nightmare right? What is something in life that makes you feel scared and threatened? I have a wonderful friend whose mom is battling cancer right now. We are praying for healing and we know that God hears our prayers. Because of Jesus, I have watched my friend authentically walk through this time with her mom, seeking God's wisdom and praying for strength. I love and value her so much! These two things have been heavy on my mind for a while but I'd like to point something out that God brought to my mind: "He's got the whole world in his hands!" We really should remind ourselves of this truth. Yes, this truth is for comfort, but it also should humble our hearts. God created all things (including you and me). God does not create evil and there is no evil in this world that can mess up his plans for each one of us.

Watch this video for further explanation: https://youtu.be/vlA2UYbcAkY

Sometimes it's easy to see things like COVID19 and cancer as very devastating and powerful. The thing is, there truly is no evil, like these things, that can alter what God wants to do. So, since God doesn't create evil, and in many ways (according to his good plans) he protects us and sustains us, why do I lack in trusting him? I lack to trust almighty God because I am weak and without God's perspective. I have my own perspective (which is sinful and earthly). We are able to gain God's perspective through the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us (after salvation through Jesus), through God's Holy Word, and through communication with other believers in Jesus. Here are some Scriptures that help me gain perspective on evil and uncertain things:

Matthew 6:31-34(NIV) 31 "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Philippians 4:4-7(NIV) 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 5:7(NIV) 7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Psalms 23(NLT)

1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."

Something else that God has shown me to be very comforting through this time is the engagement ring on my finger. This ring represents a wonderful investment and commitment. It is almost like a gentle but solid reminder from God that all things are brought together by Him and all things are timed by Him. So, read this and let it be an encouragement to get God's perspective and trust Him completely!

I hope Jesus has saved you and His Holy Spirit lies within you! Please contact me if you have any questions or want to talk!

"What lies behind us and before us are insignificant matters compared to what lies within us..."

-Angela Elwell Hunt