Don’t stress out
Now that I’m in my 40’s, I laugh about some of the things I worried about in my 20’s. Problems that seemed big back then don’t matter one iota today.
For instance, I remember being pregnant and trying to finish college. I thought about dropping out because I didn’t know how to juggle everything perfectly. I wanted to give my all to everything at the same time—something I now know isn’t possible. By the grace of God, I earned my degree, and things worked out just fine. Now that I’ve lived longer, I realize that balance is a myth. You simply do the best you can, and trust God to do what you can’t.
The alternative is being constantly stressed out, worried, anxious, and frustrated. Even though stressful situations will pop up sometimes, you can reject stress and choose trust.
In Matthew 14:13-21, the disciples probably felt some level of stress before Jesus performed a miracle. At the time, Jesus was ministering to a massive crowd of thousands that had come from surrounding towns. For hours, He healed the sick. And as the hour grew late, the disciples’ concern for the well-being of the people also grew, because the crowd had nothing to eat. The disciples told Jesus to send those folks home to their villages so they could buy food. But in verse 16, Jesus replied to His disciples, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
Wait, what? How were the disciples supposed to feed that enormous group of people? How could they not be at least a little perturbed when the Savior demanded more than what they had to give? Can you imagine receiving a command like this? You probably would have felt stressed out (and really confused).
The only food supply the disciples had was two fish and five barley loaves—not nearly enough to fulfill the command Jesus had given them. If they were stressed as I imagine they were, it’s because they failed to recognize one simple fact: God supplies every need that is attached to our divine purpose.
Before God ever gave the disciples a command, He already had a plan. He knew what He would do for them, just as He already knows what He will do for you.
“God has chosen you, and He has a plan for you. Expect Him to supply every need!”
After giving out a seemingly irrational command, Jesus took those paltry two fish and five loaves and fed everybody. Not a single person went hungry! From this we learn that God is a supplier of all of our needs, so there is no need to worry when we can’t see how things will get done. If you keep this in mind, it will be much easier to fight against worry, stress, anxiety and fear, and focus on the One who has power to do anything.
Put your situation in the hands of the Lord who lacks nothing. Instead of stressing, have faith that God is setting you up for a blessing. He has a plan to increase you and take care of you. Don’t limit God or doubt Him. Not only will He supply the need, but He will go over and above your expectations.
There is no limit to what God can do. He has great things in store for you. Again, don’t stress out. Just trust God to perform a miracle and make a way out of no way.
To help you trust instead of stress, I’m stirring Philippians 4:6-7 into your cup of inspiration, which says, “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.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, be encouraged. Our great God, who is more than able, is going to make a way for you and meet the need. Expect God to increase you. Anticipate His favor, and know that it pleases Him to pour out His goodness upon you!
Now let’s pray.
God, I don’t see how You will make the way, but I trust that You will do it. Instead of stressing over my situation, I choose to believe that blessings are on the way. And I thank You in advance for breakthrough, provision, favor, and increase. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
