“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)
I have referred to the fact that God delivered me from the fear I used to have of winter driving. It was bad. About a month after I experienced the deliverance, I again experienced overwhelming fear about Bill’s safety going into work. That was odd because I had been experiencing peace.
Instead of dwelling on the fear, I chose to turn to God instead and give it over to Him. He reminded me of a conversation I had with a close friend the previous summer. We were talking about how there is comfort in knowing that God knows the number of our days before we are born. Thinking about that fact brings immense comfort to me.
While I’m not planning on going out and doing something reckless and put God to the test, I am comforted that I can obey the path God set before me in peace. Nothing will be able to kill me before it’s my time to leave this earth and nothing will be able to keep me here when it’s my time to leave. I don’t have to pass up opportunities to be a blessing for God because He will keep me safe until it’s my time to graduate to my eternal home.
I will even go one step further and say I have complete peace that those who are God’s children will be escorted into Heaven with peace and comfort. I don’t know who will be the escort, but I truly believe that when it’s our time to leave this earth, there will be no fear because God will be right with us. One example we have is Stephen in the Bible, and I have heard of too many bedside conversations where peace has surrounded the room of the one going home.
I used to live my life in fear, especially once I became a mother. I felt I had to protect myself, not put myself in harm’s way because I had a responsibility to be there for my kids. Instead, I think that mindset backfired. I believe I taught my children to live life cautiously instead of with abandon for God. I taught them that they are in charge of taking care of themselves instead of learning how to trust their Heavenly Father to meet their needs and keep them safe.
It didn’t take long for the fear I felt about Bill to be replaced with God’s peace. He reminded me gently, not with harsh accusations or incriminating words, that Bill’s days are numbered. He is in charge and it’s not my job to worry about Bill’s safety. He wants me to keep praying and asking for His help, but then let go and let God do what He does best – take care of His children.
It really does comfort me knowing that my days are numbered. My only job is to continue obeying the commands God has specifically given to me and then when it’s time, knowing that He will escort me to my new home where I get to live for eternity.
© Cheri Swalwell 2016