Several years ago I reported to an individual who led by fear.  I was constantly demeaned, marginalized, and told I lacked quality thinking skills.  Though I did a great job and made him a very wealthy individual, one of his favorite phrases was, “Brian, there is no doubt you are part of our past.  The question is are you part of our future.”

In fairness to that individual, I allowed him to have way too much influence in my life because of my own insecurity and lack of faith.  I was scared because my family had made a commitment that my wife should stay at home with our young daughter.  I mistakenly felt everything depended on me rather trusting God.  It felt like I was on a tightrope with no safety net below.

I still periodically struggle with a lack of faith but God used a very normal event to teach me an extraordinary lesson.

Across the street from our office was a business park that contained a small lake surrounded by a walking track.  Each day, I would walk during my lunch hour for two primary reasons – to lose some weight and pray for peace and strength.

One day I stopped for a moment to rest and watch a group of mallards graze.  It was then that God spoke to me as clearly as He ever has in my life.  It was not an audible voice, but it was clearly God actively engaging my circumstances.

I felt God say, “Brian, look at those mallards.  There is more grass here than they could eat all winter.  If I have provided more than enough for a group of mallards, how much more will I take care of you and your family?”  This simple lunch hour conversation with God and the lessons learned from it have comforted me for years.

I would always walk that path and visit that patch of grass to be reminded of God’s faithfulness.  When our office moved to a new location, I located a nature trail where I would continue to walk daily and be comforted by God.

For many reading this post, you are scared and genuinely worried about your future.  You have granted others way too much influence in your life.  You have empowered your circumstances.  Fear is a constant companion.

I am not saying there will not be hard times that will require tough decisions and/or faith.  What I am saying is that God will take care of you. 

Be reminded of these famous verses from Luke 12:27-31 “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”

I hope this passage has encouraged you.  If you are struggling with fear, worry, or uncertainty, please know that I will be praying for you.

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