Every day I’ve taken to writing down scriptures on a little note, and slipping it into my pocket. I pull it out whenever I feel tired, overwhelmed, stressed, or not feeling gracious and I read it.

It changes my day. It lifts up and esteems God in all of my situations. It serves as a reminder that no matter what is going on or how I’m feeling the Holy Spirit is rejoicing, God is faithful, and that I’m part of something a whole lot bigger than my problems and circumstances. The scripture totally invades my life, changes my mindset, and brings to remembrance a multitude of things.

Sometimes it helps me to see my attitude isn’t right, other times it helps me to see that those thoughts I’m thinking aren’t very Godly, or that the pity I want to wallow in isn’t very edifying for a child of God. It has become my sounding board, the way I judge every action and thought.

“Does this action or thought line up with the word of God?”

I unfold the note and read

“Nope. Alright. Well I won’t partake of it.”

The note I carry around has very quickly become the highlight of the day. I can’t help but smile when I read it, feel my spirit soar, and to digest the word of God, which is the most powerful thing we have for the situations we encounter. I’ve also been trying to memorise scripture, and I’ve found it to be really helpful.

All that aside let me tell you of yesterdays note and the profound impact that had on me. It was a really simply verse, not even a whole one, that I jotted down on the note and slipped into my pocket.

It read Luke 8:50 …Do not be afraid, only believe…

It totally rocked my world. Every time I encountered something that was bigger than me and my ability to handle, it bought me to recall just how amazing God is. It reminded me that He has listed His promises in the bible, and has stamped them ‘YES’ for approval. Jesus has signed the bottom corner in the blood that he shed on the cross. He has created a contract between himself and me that declares that I am saved, I am redeemed, I am prosperous, I am healed, I am broken through, I am love, I am loved, I am free, I am wanted.

It also reminded me that Jesus never said anything by chance. He was very deliberate about what He said. In this verse He highlights that He knew I would be fearful, apprehensive, a little bit doubtful (Heck, it seems like there are some pretty big giants in our promised land!) and He gently puts His hand on my arm and tells me. “It’s alright. Relax. You don’t have to be fearful. I have this under control. I’ve fought this battle. I’ve won this battle. You don’t need to fear anything! In fact, all you have to do is believe. That’s it. That’s all. Believe that I have this under control, believe that I’ve fought and won this battle. Believe it and it’s yours!”

It reminds me that Fear is sent by the enemy to distract and convince us that God can’t and won’t pull through. He goes against every word of the bible and tells us it’s hopeless, we’re done for. God can’t come through for you. You’re too sinful, or not worthy. He tries to convince us to give up the fight. To buy into fear. And when I buy into fear I’m stopping the key that God gave me to activate my miracle.

“Only Believe.”

It reminds me of when I was younger, being afraid of storms. A clap of thunder would startle me and I would cry. My mother would come running in, wrap me up in her arms, soothe me and say “It’s okay. It can’t hurt you. It’s alright. Just calm down. Trust me, baby boy” each clap of thunder after would startle me less and less, as I realised that everything was okay, until I would fall back to sleep in her arms with the storm still raging on around me.

Whatever your giant, may I encourage you to relax, to fear not, to encourage yourself in God. It doesn’t require BIG faith, Jesus told us it required mustard seed sized faith, and to believe. I encourage you to “Only Believe” God will save the day! He hasn’t let me down yet!

Well that’s all from me. I’ve got a new note in my pocket today, and can’t help but smile when I pull it out. It’s like receiving a love letter written from my father just for me to read and enjoy! Let me also encourage you to give it a try. Be encouraged by our faithful father wherever we go!

Blessings,

The Kid