“I’m leaving tomorrow,” whispered a female diabetic inmate through the thick glass partition window that separated us.
“You are?” I smiled.
“Yes, Ma’am. Thank you for your help,” she added as she put a drop of blood into the test strip in our Accucheck machine.
“That’s great! I hope you will take good care of yourself and will try your best to not be back here,” I softly stated.
“Yes, Ma’am,” as she injected her morning insulin dose from a tiny syringe I gave.
“Please follow up with your primary doctor outside. And if you don’t have any, I just want to inform you that you can also go to the county’s hospital so someone there can treat you for free. Okay?” I advised.
“Don’t be afraid. You can always go there if you need help with your medical condition.”
“Thank you for letting me know. Yes, I will,” as she turned her back and sat on one of the chairs in the waiting area and another diabetic came to me after her.
I was charting all the female diabetics’ blood sugar level in our log book when the thought came to me. I could just imagine the mixed emotions that inmate was going through prior to her pending freedom. Excitement and happiness, yet with fear at the same time. Being incarcerated for so long, she might not have the means to be able to do well at first. Sometimes, it would be hard to find a decent job because of her crimes recorded.
We are that way as God’s children. Watched over and guided as we grow in our character. We need renewing of our minds to gain strength prior to us flying higher to accomplish the work that the Lord had started in each of us. We wait with excitement. We leap for joy with the newly-found freedom. But this doesn’t mean that the take-off is always smooth. Sometimes, we’ll fall. Sometimes, we won’t have the strength we need to fly. But we shouldn’t be afraid. Even if the fiercest storms loom in the horizon. Because fear is not from Him. Though fear is beneficial when it applies to having reverential fear of the Lord. That is the beginning of wisdom [Psalm 111:10 - “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”]
The type that is not beneficial is when we are being overpowered by the spirit of fear. Best thing to do is for us to draw nearer to God. To trust in Him completely.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
Our Father in heaven knows our difficulties, our sufferings. He knows our desires, ambitions or hope. If we want to soar high, whether we fail or not, just trust Him. 100%. He is the One Who helps us accomplish our dreams or desires, when we commit it to Him. Because He loves us. First.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
So, now that you’ve found the freedom that comes from Christ, go on…Don’t be afraid…Fly high! Because the Holy Spirit is the Air that will lift us and bring us to places where God wants us to be…
Proverbs 3:5-6 :
“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 40:31:
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Crank up your volume and enjoy:
“You are?” I smiled.
“Yes, Ma’am. Thank you for your help,” she added as she put a drop of blood into the test strip in our Accucheck machine.
“That’s great! I hope you will take good care of yourself and will try your best to not be back here,” I softly stated.
“Yes, Ma’am,” as she injected her morning insulin dose from a tiny syringe I gave.
“Please follow up with your primary doctor outside. And if you don’t have any, I just want to inform you that you can also go to the county’s hospital so someone there can treat you for free. Okay?” I advised.
“Don’t be afraid. You can always go there if you need help with your medical condition.”
“Thank you for letting me know. Yes, I will,” as she turned her back and sat on one of the chairs in the waiting area and another diabetic came to me after her.
I was charting all the female diabetics’ blood sugar level in our log book when the thought came to me. I could just imagine the mixed emotions that inmate was going through prior to her pending freedom. Excitement and happiness, yet with fear at the same time. Being incarcerated for so long, she might not have the means to be able to do well at first. Sometimes, it would be hard to find a decent job because of her crimes recorded.
We are that way as God’s children. Watched over and guided as we grow in our character. We need renewing of our minds to gain strength prior to us flying higher to accomplish the work that the Lord had started in each of us. We wait with excitement. We leap for joy with the newly-found freedom. But this doesn’t mean that the take-off is always smooth. Sometimes, we’ll fall. Sometimes, we won’t have the strength we need to fly. But we shouldn’t be afraid. Even if the fiercest storms loom in the horizon. Because fear is not from Him. Though fear is beneficial when it applies to having reverential fear of the Lord. That is the beginning of wisdom [Psalm 111:10 - “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”]
The type that is not beneficial is when we are being overpowered by the spirit of fear. Best thing to do is for us to draw nearer to God. To trust in Him completely.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
Our Father in heaven knows our difficulties, our sufferings. He knows our desires, ambitions or hope. If we want to soar high, whether we fail or not, just trust Him. 100%. He is the One Who helps us accomplish our dreams or desires, when we commit it to Him. Because He loves us. First.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
So, now that you’ve found the freedom that comes from Christ, go on…Don’t be afraid…Fly high! Because the Holy Spirit is the Air that will lift us and bring us to places where God wants us to be…
Proverbs 3:5-6 :
“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 40:31:
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Crank up your volume and enjoy:
Rosel,
ReplyDeleteHow true it can be that sometimes even fear keeps even the strong Christian down at times, not knowing what to do or if we should simply wait on God. This is the classic struggle for most Christians and one I find myself falling into quite a lot.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
You posted two of my all time favorite verses: 1 Timothy 1:7 and Jeremiah 29:11. When I feel overwhelmed (which has been quite often lately) I just say these verses outloud. I wanted to let you know that Madison is feeling much better. Just pray she stays that way. She has an appointment with an allergy specialist in a few weeks. Hopefully we will get some answers as to why she has had so many infections lately (with her dad not helping the situation by not giving her her Rx's). I wanted to let you know I met with my lawyer yesterday and things went well. She told me that she can't set a date for a hearing until the Dept. of Children's Services finishes their investigation (I reported Madison's dad for not giving her her medication, making her wear pull ups, clipping her finger nails so short they are red and she cries they hurt) is complete. She also said his petition does not have any basis - and she is going to ask that it be dismissed. He is asking that custody be changed based on the fact that he lives so far away (about 30 miles from me) and because of his work schedule cannot take Madison to school and make it to his job in time. (Our current order states his visitation is Fri 7 pm until Mon 7 pm. But when Madison started PreK he refused to take her to school on Monday mornings and instead agreed to return her Sunday night (which I prefer). Crazy. I know. I spoke with the case worker last Friday and she is still waiting on Madison's medical records before she can continue the investigation. I'm still struggling financially and seems like I can't get caught up (I want so badly to move but can't until I pay past due rent). I'm trying to find a job but they are few and far between that will work around Madison's school schedule. I'm looking forward to our field trip with her PreK class tomorrow to the Chattanooga Aquarium! I think Madison is most excited about riding on a school bus - she has never been on one, LOL I'll update the blog when when we get back....after I recover! LOL - Love you!
ReplyDeleteThat enemy of fear loves to scare Christians and hold them back. Yes, we have to renew our minds and stay close to the Lord. Fear cannot prevail. Great scriptures!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mary
Awesome scriptures sis.
ReplyDeleteAmen Rosel! I say these two verses quite often especially the 2 Tim! My kids do as well! Sometimes it takes more than once but I know HIS Word never returns void and I am ever so grateful for that!
ReplyDeletelove you Rosel and praying for this precious woman who has granted a new season in her life....may she go with the Lord
It's so good to choose to re-read these scriptures and remind ourselves that our good God does have good plans for our lives. That we can trust Him - even when we can not see it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that wonderful reminder, Rosel.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lisa
Amen! He is the One that gives us our desires and then brings them to pass as we trust Him to do so!!!
ReplyDeletePrecious Sister,
ReplyDeleteA posting full of Scriptures, knowledge, love and wisdom. My prayer is that this dear woman leans completely into the Lord as she faces life on the outside. May He fill her completely on the inside just as He has used you to speak volumes to her while in the prison that you work in.
That evil spirit of fear can certainly cripple anyone in their walk through life, but with and through our Lord we can persevere with utmost trust in Him that we will overcome any obstacles that try to get in our way of moving forward by loving, leaning and living our life for Him.
Love you so much,
Alleluiabelle
My mother always said fear was the worst kind of torment, and she was right. Sometimes, I become so fearful. I'm about to write my own blog on some medical news I received today from my annual physical I had last week. Your post couldn't come at a better time, so thank you and God bless you!
ReplyDeleteGeorgia
Rosel,
ReplyDeleteFear can grip people so intensly that it overcomes them spirtually and physically. Thank our God for HIS mercy, protection and people like you that help us through difficult times.
Love U,
Bren
Very good! Just this last week the Lord told me it was not about trusting leadership again, it is about trusting him. It freed me! I feel like am taking off again, ready to fly!
ReplyDeleteBless you friend!
I love the kind words that you gave that woman about to be set free. What reassuring words they were, and just what she needed as she faced a new life ahead of her.
ReplyDeleteAnd how like that woman we were when we first turned our lives over to Jesus. From a life in bondage, we were set free! And you are right, we need not fear for God is watching over us every step of the way.
The song you shared is lovely!
Love
Lidj
Wow. I like the way you related that story to scripture. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteGreat sharing Sister! As one who had to be delivered from a LIFESTYLE OF FEAR due to the abuse etc in my childhood I can tell you that FEAR can and will grip you and paralyze you if it is not surrendered to GOD and then you have to constantly walk in His Word to remain free because satan will bring that spirit of fear to you often!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that powerful sharing!
God bless you Rosel. You shine the light of JESUS brightly!!!
Love you.
I live in fear. Everything I did was related to fear. Fear cripples just like shame does...The only thing that helped me fight it....has been the Word....renewing my mind with the Word. Thank you once again for this encouraging post. Stay strong out there Rosel and safe. Sarah
ReplyDeleteI really like this post and am loving the song at the end.
ReplyDelete