Worried ... Still

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.  Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked will I depart.  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’ (Job 1:20).  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  (Daniel 3:16-18).  Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. (Job 13:15). Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  (Romans 5: 3-5).  Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  (1 Peter 1:13, emphasis added).  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.  (Hebr. 11:1-2).  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. ... Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  (Hebr. 12:1-3, emphasis added).

Have I mentioned, I'm worried?  I try not to be frightened and anxious, but I lose perspective so easily.  Some things here on earth seem so big and important.  If you, like me, are worried -- if you fear for the future.  That things might get hard.  If you fear for others -- perhaps those in your care, I pray that the reminders above would be concrete, piercing reminders and encouragement to stand firm.  Stand firm, friends, fixing your eyes on Jesus Christ.