From Anxiety to Adventure!

When I was a young girl, I was fearful of new experiences and would experience random anxiety issues over the littlest things, like going over to a friend’s house or attending a slumber party.  I remember having to take medicine, from a brown glass bottle with a cold spoon, even before walking to school in the morning. Even though I wanted to go to school and see my friends, I’d get all hepted-up and have a nervous stomach ache.

I’ve always been relational. I love to be with friends. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t enjoyed learning about and from people. But my desire to be with people was hampered a bit by these pre-event jitters or anxiety related to new adventures.

Even something like summer day-camp seemed scary because it was new turf. I really didn’t enjoy day-camp and begged not to return after the first day. I had made my little sit-upon as a craft at day-camp, I recall.  I went into the backyard to find my mom in the garden and asked her if I could just stay home instead of going to camp the next day.

“I made my sit-upon, isn’t that enough?”

 

“I’ve already made my sit-upon isn’t that good enough?” I asked her. I don’t remember whether or not I went back to finish the week. But it all begs the question, how did this little girl grow up to be someone who thoroughly enjoys new experiences and has traveled near and far to be with people and encourage them?

The answer, quite simply, no seriously, the answer is… God. He is the reason for peace in my life. He is the reason for any turn around and for every good thing in my life. he is for me not against me. He is working all things together for my good. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is for you too.

He is:

• in charge
• sovereign
• good.
• the God of instead.
• amazing

HE is an awesome God for me and for you.

I actually had the privilege of speaking about Hope and I used the topic: “The God of Instead” from the book of Isaiah chapter sixty-one.  This is the passage that talks about Jesus’ Identity and how he is known in heaven, his resume actually. It also speaks of the role of the believer. Read it and look for the power of the INSTEADs of God.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations.

Strangers will shepherd your flocks;

foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

And you will be called priests of the Lord,

you will be named ministers of our God.

You will feed on the wealth of nations,

and in their riches you will boast.

Instead of your shame

you will receive a double portion,

and instead of disgrace

you will rejoice in your inheritance.

And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,

and everlasting joy will be yours.

I have repeatedly experienced the INSTEAD of God.

God has given me:

•  instead of anxiety, peace.
•  instead of fear, His perfect love.
• instead of a spirit of heaviness/depression/fainting, joy unspeakable and full.
• instead of hopelessness, hope.

Let me share a few photos from my recent trip to the Middle East- UAE and Oman. I had a great deal of firsts and great adventures provided by the God of Instead.

Instead of anxiety I live with adventure!

As a little girl, I always wanted to see the world. As I looked out at my audience, I thought… I’m seeing the world!

women’s conference photo credit: Sarah Shalley

women from 45 different nations were present.

 

A few first time adventures:

• visit to a Mosque
• desert Safari
• ride on a camel
• belly dancer performance-live not on television
• tour in Dubai
• travels in Oman
• walks and wading in the gulf of Oman
• time speaking in Oman

Do you know the God of Instead? He has come to bring life where there is death. Hope where there is hopelessness. The oil of gladness instead of mourning. He truly is a God of  INSTEAD.

Righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit, that’s the Kingdom of God. Because of Jesus and the work of God in my life I don’t live with anxiety but with adventure instead.