THE PETERSENS

Do any of you ever struggle with the sin of anxiety?  Well, I certainly do.  Allow me to share with you the ways in which God has shown me His overwhelming faithfulness amidst my time of faithlessness.  I am so grateful for His kindness toward this child of His!

Flashback to a few weeks ago.  As many of you know, I quit my at-home job a month ago.  This meant a severe detriment to our monthly income.  So, Ben searched and looked for several part-time jobs.  The results were not looking promising and I noticed the sin of anxiety begin to creep into my heart.  At the peak of my anxiety, God did an amazing thing which humbled me greatly.  He blessed Ben with another part-time job, as well as a raise at his other job.  This all unraveled within a week.  Isn’t God so good? 

Second situation…the diagnosis of placenta previa.  Despite the nurse’s assurances of having nothing to worry about, what did I do?  I came back home and…worried.  On Wednesday night, I shared my struggle with some girls in our community group and they were gracious, pouring over me beautiful passages of Scripture.  The next day, Joshua Lee and I read through Philippians together and our time was so sweet.  The Lord eased my heart and gave me peace.  Then, on Thursday, Ben walks in with mail in hand.  Turns out that he heard back from one of the scholarships he applied for.  School for this coming year has been entirely paid for.  Praise God!  I was once again humbled and tears spring to my eyes even now.  Here I am, a sinner in need of much grace.  And, He keeps giving it to me, day after day.  Who am I to deserve the Lord’s goodness toward me?  God always provides for His children, what He deems good for them.

May we all continue to rejoice in the Lord amidst the trials, big and small, that He gives us.  I leave you with Scripture now that has encouraged me these past few days.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I wil say, Rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Consider it joy, my brethren, whenever you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.James 1:2-3

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.Psalms 42:11