Daily Devotional for April 18, 2023

For the last three years, Jim and Jan have been going through a very difficult time as physicians tried to figure out what was making Jim so incredibly ill.

A few weeks ago, the doctors discovered through a fluke exactly what was wrong.  Jim was told his diagnosis was one in a million.  Praise God after a successful surgery, Jim is well on his way to a complete recovery.

This past weekend, I saw Jan having the best time at huge women’s event at the church.  I gave her a hug and said, “You look like you are having a wonderful time.  Who is providing adult supervision for Jim while you are here?”  She smiled and said, “Ted.”

I was shocked and a little afraid, so I repeated, “Who is providing ADULT supervision for Jim?”  She laughed and said, “Ted.”  This meant Ted and Jim were somewhere roaming Temple without any adult supervision.  Suddenly, I was very afraid because I’ve always considered Jim and Ted to be two of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

While you may not fully understand the potential for mayhem and destruction in having Jim and Ted roaming the streets of Temple without their wives to serve as their adult supervision, more than likely you have been afraid.

I hope you are not experiencing fear, but know if you are, this is not God’s will for your life.  In fact, scripture shows the continual refrain from God to a world filled with uncertainty and apprehension are the words, “Do not be afraid.”

Whether it is cancer, financial crisis, marital distress, or family discord, know God is bigger than anything life throws your way.  And while life may be hard and uncomfortable, if you hold God’s hand and let him walk you through eternity, you have nothing to fear.

This is what God says to those of us who are experiencing fear:  
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold youwith my righteous right hand.”  (Isaiah 41:10)

God loves you too much to let you be afraid.  You are his child.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I begin to be afraid, remind me of your power, grace, and love.  In Jesus’ name I pray.

Life is too short to be afraid.  God’s got it under control.  Trust God.

Just for the record, not too long ago, Ted asked if I would have an electric socket installed by his pew so he could plug in his CPAP during my sermon and rest more comfortably. 

Pray for me.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins