Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

Protection During Fearful Times

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On the weekends, my husband and I like to have the shades pulled completely down, so that we can get an extra hour of sleep without the sun shining in to wake us. The shades are the blackout, room darkening type. And let me tell you they work! 

Often times (at my age…) I need to get up in the middle of the night for water or the bathroom. It’s those times I can’t see my hand in front of my face! I’m so thankful that my cell phone has a light. It isn’t very bright, but in the total blackness, it is like a beacon shining. It lights my path, wherever I need to go.

Many times, when I feel the Lord’s urging to do something new for Him, I hesitate. Why? Because I can’t see the way and the how. I’m a process driven person, and I just can’t figure out how He wants me to do what He has asked me to do! And you know what? It scares me to step out into the darkness, not being able to see my way clearly.

Do you feel like that? Has God called you into an area of service, and you are petrified to take that first step, lest you fall?

“The Lord God is a sun and shield…” Ps 84:11a

Here’s what I always forget during those times of fear: The Lord God is my sun. He will shine His light and show me the way. I only need to take the first step. Then His light will illuminate further, and enable me to take the next step. He is my sunlight to guide me in times of darkness and fear.

But what then? We’ve taken that first step. In faith, we are beginning to serve where He has led. But what if…what if we totally mess up! What if Satan throws obstacles in our well lit path, so we become discouraged?

The Lord God is a sun AND a shield. 

Ahhhh, a shield. A small defensive frame used to block blows or other forms of attack.

God is our shield – He defends us! He blocks those attacks that may discourage us or make us fearful. He is ever present and on guard to protect us. Did you hear that? HE WILL PROTECT US. Rest in that truth!

Our faithful God will light the path He has set before us. Not only that, He will protect us as we travel where He leads. We need only to cling to Him.

Grace be with you,

Faith Walk

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Happy Anniversary Ordinary1

 

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Several years ago, John and I planned a photography vacation to Page, Arizona, SPECIFICALLY so he could take some breathtaking pictures of the scenery.

SONY DSCWe toured the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon and other beautiful sites. We took a slow, peaceful rafting trip down the Colorado River that was like laying in a hammock on a cool fall day – oh, so relaxing!

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Horseshoe Bend was the one photo John really, really wanted to take. It was a ¾ mile hike over a hot, arid, trail of sand. The temperature was above 100 degrees, and the overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level, making it a tough hike for these two South Louisiana tourists!

At the end of the trail, the overlook had a guardrail so you could safely see the breathtaking view of the Colorado River 1000 feet below. There was also an area of the cliff with no guardrails, and huge rocks to climb on to get an even better view of the river. It was a sheer drop straight down! Having a fear of heights, I stayed away from this area, but John wanted to climb on the rocks, hang over the edge and get the best picture of Horseshoe Bend. I begged him not to do it.

There was a young Asian couple on the cliff top with obviously the same problem. With camera in hand, he wanted to walk to the edge of the cliff. She was in distress at this!

In a shrill voice, full of fear, she told her husband:

“それをしないでください！端に行かないでください！あなたが落ちる可能性が！私は未亡人になる！私はあなたがあなたの保険を支払っていることを望みます！”

I looked John dead in the eye, pointed to the young woman and said “YEAH, what SHE said!”

Loosely translated, I’m pretty sure she was saying “DON’T DO IT! Please don’t go to the edge! You could fall! I would be a widow! I hope you have your insurance paid up!”

John didn’t listen to me. He walked around the bend, out of my sight, up the rocks and stood on the edge of the cliff (with no guardrails!) and took the most stunning picture of Horseshoe Bend.

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Sometimes you have to stand at the edge of the cliff to get the great shot.

And so it is with my faith walk.  I’m scared to go to the edge of the cliff. I’m afraid to fall on my face while the world watches. I’m afraid God won’t come through for me – ordinary me.

And yet, when I step out in faith and obedience, God ALWAYS provides. EVERY TIME I have stepped out of my comfort zone for Him, my Heavenly Father has been there for me!

And I’m finding, the more I get out of my comfort zone and walk by faith to the edge of the cliff, the more I will see God’s beautiful picture of love and faithfulness as He equips me to do His will and His work. But I have to take that first step! And when I do, He will provide all that is needed!

What faith step do you need to take? Are you standing boldly at the edge of the cliff?

God in heaven, Creator of heaven and earth, I want to have that “edge of the cliff” faith to step out in obedience and follow You! I know that my ways are not Your ways, and that Your way is THE way. I thank You for Your faithfulness in equipping me to do things I could not do on my own. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.