Due to travel, I reached out to one of my sister’s in Christ whose words and prayers have been such a blessing to me over the past few years. I asked if she would write this week’s post. She graciously accepted. Thank You, Susan!

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”—John 14:16-17 (NKJ)

Truthfully, I’m very fearful! That’s one of the reasons why I love the Bible and the many promises we find in it. Here’s a great one: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”--Isaiah 41:10 (NKJ)

So now the battle begins! Am I going to believe and act on what my emotions are screaming: “You can’t do it!” “You’re too old.” “You’re not good enough!” “You’re not strong enough.” “You’re not smart enough.” “People will hate you and reject you.” “You’ve failed at this so many times. Just give up!”

As a writer, I’m continually hearing in my head: “You’re not good enough.” “You’ve failed at this so many times. Just give up!” That’s combined with, “You’re too old.” I’ve been trying for many, many years to get a literary agent and a book deal with a big publisher. It hasn’t happened!

So am I going to believe and act on what God says? That He’s with me and: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”--Philippians 4:13 (NKJ) And  “. . .do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”-- Hebrews 6:12 (NKJ)

Perhaps it’s not so much about me being a “successful” writer as it is about me learning to be patient, trusting God is in control. Maybe who I become on my quest is much more important than the destination of  becoming a “successful writer”.

I’m so grateful that I’ve met Lisa, and many other wonderful people because of my desire to write. They have helped shape me into a kinder, more loving human being! Maybe that’s the true end goal!

I also realize that the answer to whether I act by faith or fear depends on which one I’m feeding the most! Am I spending time building my faith by thinking and meditating on God’s promises? Am I spending time in prayer talking to God and asking Him for help? Am I calling a friend when my fears overwhelm me and asking them to pray for me and reinforce what the Bible says? Am I in community with other believers? Am I helping others? Or am I neglecting all that and spending too much time in my fearful head?!

Not to mention, when I’m thinking clearly, I realize my fears are all about me, and what I want, and what I can or can't do. I forget the good news that I have a HELPER---God’s Holy Spirit.

What?! I, a little weakling, skinny, fearful person, has GOD’S SPIRIT IN ME? Yes!! And so does everyone who’s made Jesus their Lord and Savior. He promised us He’d send His Holy Spirit. He is the Truth. He can’t lie. You can take that to the bank!

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”--John 14:16-17 (NKJ) We have the Holy Spirit in us! The One who empowered Jesus’ disciples! At first, they were filled with fear; they fled when Jesus was arrested. After Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, He sent the Holy Spirit, just like He promised.

The Holy Spirit is what turned those fearful men into powerhouses, who proclaimed Jesus is Lord and were willing to suffer whatever consequences came for saying it. What made the difference? The HOLY SPIRIT.

Aha! It’s the Holy Spirit’s Power that I need. It’s His way of seeing life that gets me out of my fearful head and reveals my “idol” of published books. Being a published author is not the end goal. Being a Christ-follower is.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”-- John 15:5 (NKJ) Yep, I’ve proved it again and again. Apart from His Spirit, and the way His Spirit enlightens my fearful mind with TRUTH, I can only make a mess of things, or give up and do nothing at all except hide in my “comfortable” rut.

I encourage all of us to spend time in the Word of God, meditate on God’s great promises, be in prayer, and be in community with believers who can come alongside to empower us to cling to God and His Holy Spirit.

If you haven’t asked Jesus to be Your Lord and Savior, I pray that you do because there’s no one like Jesus. No one can love you and help you like He does.

Father,

Thank You so much for giving us the Bible. Thank You for how it sheds light on reality and gives us wisdom to live a fulfilling life. Poppi, may everyone who’s struggling know that You love them; You’re never angry at them; You know every hair on their heads, and You will never leave them or forsake them. May Your Holy Spirit empower them to overcome negative thoughts and fears. May Your Holy Spirit guide them to whoever or whatever is best to strengthen them, be it: seeing a counselor, or a therapist,  or joining a support group, or joining and serving in a church, or taking a vacation! Poppi, whatever it is, may You guide them. May You shine mightily in and through all of us by the Power of Your Holy Spirit. In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

Susan Burritt

Susan is the author of SOS GOD! , which was written to inspire children to talk to God about everything because she firmly believes that the most powerful solution to problems is knowing what the Bible says, and receiving God's help through prayer. You can find her on Facebook and YouTube

October Verse

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”—Psalm 28:7

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