20Sep16

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

I'm supposed to take the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) this morning in a few short minutes. I don't know what it is about this thing. I haven't failed one since basic training and yet, every single time I am worried. I get stressed out and worked up. I imagine what would happen if I failed and the consequences of that one brief moment of weakness. I think it might be because something in my life is being measured. Concretely. It's not up to interpretation. I either run that fast or I don't and it carries a lot of weight behind it. I seem to be in control of my outcome.

There are a lot of moments in life that may feel that way but, God commands us not to worry. He says, "Do not be afraid." Why? Because He is peace and when we dwell in Him and with Him we should be a reflection of that peace. When we trust God for His blessing and mercy then the worry can slip away. There is no room in our hearts for both faith and worry. You either trust God to be who He is or you don't. One brings peace. The other brings fear and worry. Take a moment. Breathe in deep. Embrace the peace of God for your day. Trust His promises and have no fear. He is in control.