Don't Be Afraid - 3

'The word of the Lord came to Abram...saying, "Do not be afraid."' Genesis 15:1 NKJV

William Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, has a title connected to the Biblical story of Jesus raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead. When Jairus went to Jesus for help, his daughter was critically ill. While he was walking with Jesus toward his home the little girl died. At that point Jesus told the devastated father, 'Do not be afraid; only believe' (Mark 5:36 NKJV). When they arrived at the house everybody was weeping. At this point Jesus asked, 'Why make ye this ado' (Mark 5:39 KJV)? The word 'ado' means 'commotion, clamour and uproar.' Then Jesus took the child by the hand and told her to get up. And to everyone's amazement, she did.

Now if Jesus can raise the dead, surely you don't have a problem He can't solve! The miracle was set in motion the moment Jairus went to Jesus. And by doing the same thing, you are positioning yourself to get the results you need. Are you going to make a great 'ado' or are you going to pray in faith, believing God to come through for you? How much energy and emotion are you wasting over things that will never materialise? Or things you can't control? How many more nights are you going to lie awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking about all the things that could possibly happen? Can you imagine how that makes God feel?

Claim this promise: 'I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety' (Psalm 4:8 NIV).

After a miserable month of horrible weather and being stuck inside, the T and i decided to ignore the prospect of rain and head out to Piha anyway.

I just had the most wonderful day bush walking and swimming in waterfalls.

We only got rained on briefly, and had the best day ever.

That was just what i needed in order to fend off the depression that has been looming with every single rainy day we have had lately.

From now on - i am ignoring the weather reports.

The T is so awesome - taking me out and showing me those bush walks. I can't believe i have lived in New Zealand for over twenty years and never ventured further into the Waitakere Ranges than a quick trip to Piha.

Love, love, LOVE it out there.