Same ole struggles, again and again

Zechariah 4, 5, 6
Luke 12

SOAP - Same ole struggles, again and again

Scripture
Luke 12:11-12 "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
Luke 12:22-23, 31-34 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about
your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ... But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Observation
We should do what we know God wants us to do. We shouldn't hesitate to do things because we are worried that we won't be provided for. If it is words we need, the Holy Spirit is there to give us the right words. If it is food or clothing, God will make sure we are taken care of. The most important thing is to do what God wants us to do. Worrying about the things of this world keeps our hearts focused on this world instead of on God.

Application
I've mentioned before that I'm a worrier. It's kind of a constant struggle for me. I'd like to say right now that worry is not keeping me from doing anything. And in some ways, it's probably not. But worse yet, it's keeping me from knowing what I should be doing. Sometimes it seems like I'm so busy worrying, God's message can't even get through. All he has to say is "Kristy" and I'm already responding with "what about this or that". It's like I've got my list of worries and objections ready and waiting any time God wants to call on me. It's not like I wake up every morning, take an evaluation of all the things I could worry about and prepare to avoid being called upon by God. It's more like years and years of worry have just gotten me in the habit of keeping all the worries in the back of my mind, readily available to sabotage any potential opportunities to serve the Lord. But God is amazing. He truly can move mountains. And I've seen him right beside me many times, helping me do something I didn't think I could do, providing for me when I was afraid things wouldn't be provided. And all those times, the things the Lord provides are so much greater than anything I could have ever imagined myself. :-)

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for all the times you've stayed beside me to help me through life. I know that you are there. Thank you for your great blessings, so many great things, so many great people, so many great opportunities, so many great gifts. Amen.