Others Fly
Is it possible to face the future without worry?
Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." - Luke 21:29-36
Jesus says we are either going to worry about what is to come, or we will get drunk to avoid thinking about it.
Sounds right, doesn't it?
So, how do we choose not to worry? I know it must be a choice because I can decide right now to start worrying about something that is supposed to happen, and I can get myself all wrapped up in it.
If it is a choice to worry, then it must be a choice not to worry.
It's in good hands, I can say, knowing God is by my side, but that takes faith. Faith must be the antidote to worry.
People tend to downplay faith, as if it is foolish disregard for reality. It isn't, I assure you. Faith can be a good friend, especially when things come along that are scary.
If I have faith in my treatment plan, I won't be so ready to choose to worry about the outcomes.
Imagine a young bird who has not yet learned he can fly. He can see other birds flying from the nest, but he doesn't yet have the confidence that he could do the same.
He might ask himself, why are we so high up? Why not start on the ground where the chances of falling are of little consequence?
But on faith, he steps out of the nest. The first thing that happens is he falls. And only when his effort matches the pull against him does he stop falling and start flying.
It is then that he understands his own abilities and strengths.
We are like that with out fears. We stand on the edge of the nest and look down rather than look up. And while we wait, others fly.
More to come...