Wise and Cautious Without Fear

I have spoken to many people who are very cautious about these times when we are urged to wear masks, regularly sanitize, and keep social distances because of the pandemic. Maybe they’ve had a loved one that tested positive for the virus or even lost a loved one. I can understand their concern. But if you listen to them, you’ll hear that they are tinged with fear about what each day holds. I get that we need to be wise and cautious, but I feel compelled to offer these words: We can't stop living based off of things that MIGHT happen. But, we shouldn’t be reckless with our lives either. I remember Jesus saying to Satan when he was trying to tempt Him: “Tempt not the Lord Your God.” We should never try to put God to the test of careless living. But please hear my heart. If I went by “family history” – my brother and sister with Alzheimer’s, a sister with Diabetes, my father with brain cancer, and mother with heart disease --I would be plagued with fear with every little ache and pain that I had. What I am urging us all to do is to make the most of each moment we have because we never know what tomorrow brings. We should make this day count with joy, peace, hope and great faith that God has us in His sovereign hands. We could stay home and hibernate from here to eternity. We could pull the shades down with a “Do not disturb” sign on our front door. We could play it safe and not live an adventurous life. But God didn’t call us to surrender to fear, worry, and unbelief. If you and I, as bold and brave believers in the abundant life that Jesus came to give us, succumb to the tactics of the enemy to “kill, steal and destroy us” (John 10:10), then we’ll NEVER step out into the sunshine of God’s grace. I want to live a bold and brave life, facing my fears and truly living despite adversity. Here’s the thing – on tombstones, there is the date of birth then a dash and then a date of death. What do we want our dash to look like? I’m still working at it and purposing my dash to include these: * I loved everyone because I knew we are all God’s kids. * I was grateful for even my smallest blessings. * I did everything with gratitude, joy and love. * I worked hard and didn’t complain….much. * I respected others. * I trusted that God was with me every step of the way. * I cherished creation. I got out in it and saw God everywhere! * I forgave. I didn’t hold on to anger or grudges. * I let go of things I couldn’t control. * I loved God with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. I believe and know, from scripture, that God has our lives planned right through to eternity. I trust Him with my life and wholeheartedly determine to live each day like there is no tomorrow. I do that because I know Who holds my todays and tomorrows! What a great way to live with no regrets!