Partners Against Crime

 

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of

love, and of a sound mind.” ―2 Timothy 1:7, KJV

Only a few days had passed since our home was invaded and I was still suffering the psychological aftershocks of the intrusion. Stepping outside to sweep the porch, broom in one hand, alarm panic button in the other, my eyes scoured the woods surrounding our home.

Was I being watched? Would the intruders return? Would my life ever get back to normal?

Shortly, I heard loud, disturbing thuds coming from inside the house, followed by the sounds of our daughter’s high-pitched cries and her feet pounding through the kitchen. As she swung open the storm door, I simultaneously hit the panic button, sending siren screams throughout our sleepy neighborhood.

Breathlessly, my daughter shouted, “Mommy, Mommy, the washing machine is bumping!”

I stood there―heart pounding, siren screaming, wanting to laugh, wanting to cry. The predators had left remnants of fear in their wake. They had stolen something far more valuable than possessions. They had stolen my peace.

 Peace. We do not realize its value until we no longer possess it.

As easy as it is to justify, I was walking contrary to scripture―living in a spirit of fear. Sound mind? I suppose it left, hand in hand with peace.

Fear initiates irrational responses to our circumstances, and sometimes an irrational antidote is required. For me, the spin cycle of the washer jolted me back into reality―the reality that God will never leave me or forsake me, that he has promised me peace in the midst of my crises.

Are you being watched? Yes.

Will the intruder return? Yes.

Will your life ever get back to normal? Yes. But, not until you take back what belongs to you.

It’s time to put down the panic button, pick up the sword of the Word, and stand firm on its promises. Then, with your shield of faith, resist the enemy’s schemes. The enemy can take your peace only when you hand it over to him.

Walk hand in hand with peace; fear and worry will flee.

 

Star Search

 

We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 

Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)

 

Over two thousand years ago, Magi living in the east marveled at the appearance of an unexplainable star which prompted their search for the prophesied newborn king of the Jews. Departing from Persia, they began their five-to-six-hundred-mile trek westward toward Jerusalem.

 

Matthew's gospel account of the Magi stopping in Jerusalem to ask King Herod for directions suggests that the star they saw "when it rose" disappeared and was not actually visible for the greater part of their journey. King Herod, noticeably disturbed by their questions, personally did not see the star.  However, after consulting with the chief priests and scribes and hearing the prophecy, he sent the Magi on their way toward Bethlehem. Soon the star reappeared, going ahead of them. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy" (Matthew 2:9-10, KJV).

 

Many of us can relate to the uncertainty of being lost on the highway. Yet, the apprehension we experience on one of today's well marked multilane highways pales in comparison to the Magis' sense of remote isolation in the vast, rugged hill country of Judea. Our immense relief on seeing a familiar landmark or road sign holds no likeness to the "exceeding great joy" that washed over them as they saw the star shining overhead once again.

 

For much of their journey, the Magi were not guided by what they saw, but by what they believed in their hearts to be true. Consequently, they journeyed to Bethlehem by faith, continuing through uncertainty until they found the king they were seeking.

 

Can you relate your journey to the Magis'? Where is your Bethlehem? What are you seeking? Is your terrain uncertain?

Walk on! Follow what you believe in your heart. You may see a great light!

 

" . . . for we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV