Do Not Worry

Our Small Group Bible Study discussion Sunday night was about living like the church of the first century.  The questions were posed:  Why don't we give up our possessions and take care of each other like they did back then?  Is it because of our culture or society?  What keeps us from doing that?  The discussion that followed was the best I think we've had in a while...and well, it kind of evolved a little as most great discussions do.  Here's the gist.

Bottom line:  We like our stuff.

We are too attached to our things and our money to give it up.  We spend and spend and if there is extra, we store it away for later in life.  We like to be self-sufficient and 'take care of our own.'  We feel like we're weak if we can't provide what we would like for our family or need help.  We keep up with 'The Jones'.

Satan has us fooled into believing "The American Way."  I wholeheartedly believe that this way is not the way of the Lord.  Greed.  Envy.  Selfishness.  We don't get it.

God says if we give up our possessions and follow Him, He will show us the way and we have nothing to worry about.  Why is that so hard for us?  Why can't we use what God has given us to help others and shine His light on the world instead of storing up our treasures here on Earth?

Let's freely give...without worrying whether we will have enough for ourselves.
Let's seek out others who may be in need and give.
Let's not worry about retirement or the newest electronics or where we live or if we've tried the finest cuisine at the newest restaurant in town.

This adoption journey has been so wonderful in teaching us to trust in God.  It's certainly been a roller coaster of a journey!  Some of the lowest points have been when we weren't sure how to pay for the ever growing list of fees.  This is the verse I have hung on to for so many months...just so happens that a friend brought it up during our discussion.

Luke 12

22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 

27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Why have I worried?  He's provided exactly the amount of money we needed.  Why do I worry about our little guy?  We've received updated pictures of our beautiful baby who is growing strong, happy, and healthy.  Why did I worry?  We were able to provide a wonderful Christmas for our family.  Why do I not get it sometimes?

I have worked hard at trusting God for everything we have needed while working towards the adoption, yet I have failed at times.

Am I afraid that I'm not going to get what I want?

Oh, me of little faith.

It's not about me.