Do Not Fear x366.

366 verses talking about fear are included in the Bible. Did you know that? God cares so deeply about the details that He included 366 verses, one for each day, about not fearing.

God weaves the story for His people so intricately, make no mistake about it.

I’m a sucker for details. I think they’re important; they make all the difference when it comes to a project, a blog, a process. We’re all weaving our stories together trying to sort out the details of our lives and what they mean.

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 you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

What is fear costing you right now? What detail in your life is going unnoticed because of the grip fear has on your soul?

Fear costs us something whether it’s peace, joy, maybe fulfillment.

We weren’t created for grumbling; we were created to praise our Maker. I’ve learned so much about what it looks like to choose resilience or anger in the midst of a storm. Anger led me to miss out on the blessings God brings even when the flood gates were opening.

But resilience. Resilience led me to understand that God does not withhold good things from His children. Resilience is teaching me that beauty can be found in every moment.

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper. – Psalm 118:6-7

I don’t really believe in the phrase “God gives His battles to His toughest soldiers.” I don’t think God just gives out battles.

When we look at the Bible, the stories that are told are often stories about people that would be viewed as weak. They aren’t given a “battle” because they’re God’s strongest soldiers, they face battles because they are human. God allows the battle to happen, but I don’t think He wishes that upon us.

In the midst of a battle, I see how little I can do aside from God. Without Him, the battles we face seem daunting and I know I can’t overcome them alone. Partnering with Him, inviting Him into the battle is where I begin to know Him deeper than I ever had before.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” – Mark 4:39-40

As the year begins to wrap up, here’s what I’ve learned about God in 2020:

1. He is a purposeful God.
2. He is an omniscient and omnipresent God.
3. He will redeem me over and over. He will redeem my story. He will redeem my mistakes.
4. He has not forsaken me.
5. He is a God that gives freedom from the chains fear wraps me in.
6. He is a waymaker. He is a miracle worker. He is a promise keeper. He is a light in the darkness.

My God, that is who YOU are! Thank You for giving me a year to learn so much about you.

And thank you friends for reading along this year. I’m so grateful for this platform and the opportunity to write. If you enjoy what you read on here, please share with a friend and invite them in!

xo,

mary spencer veazey