Comments on: Gaining Courage http://spreadinggoodness.org/?p=476 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:08:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Bobby Grow http://spreadinggoodness.org/?p=476&cpage=1#comment-1424 Bobby Grow Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:29:23 +0000 http://spreadinggoodness.org/?p=476#comment-1424 Thank you, Ron, This is timely, I needed this right now! I find myself, strangely, afraid to rejoice in the midst of my current life circumstances; if I rejoice --- my flesh says --- it's like I'm giving into what the LORD is doing --- which means that I'm not in control. It's easier to rejoice with smaller discomforts in life; but when confronted with "big" stuff, rejoicing takes on new meaning. Even though I *know* the "Lord is at hand" and "near" my flesh doesn't want to rejoice. So the alternative is, as you open with, depression; fear; anxiety; and panic. It's as I open up --- rejoice --- that the LORD's peace is free to do exactly what Paul says; and that is provide comfort and rest, indeed peace, in a way that surpasses all understanding. The challenge is, when tempted with the desires of the flesh --- fear and "self-possession" --- is not to give in; but in those moments, to rejoice. Learning to trust the LORD is a painful process --- like it must be for gold in fire (if gold felt) --- rejoicing is a symptom of trusting/loving God. This is only a Spirit induced reality, and one that I am learning in ways I never thought possible before (my family too). Ron, thank you for sharing this! I hope your time in Cambodia continues to be fruitful and encouraging for all those you get to fellowship with. I look forward to getting together when you get back! In Christ, Bobby Grow Thank you, Ron,

This is timely, I needed this right now! I find myself, strangely, afraid to rejoice in the midst of my current life circumstances; if I rejoice — my flesh says — it’s like I’m giving into what the LORD is doing — which means that I’m not in control. It’s easier to rejoice with smaller discomforts in life; but when confronted with “big” stuff, rejoicing takes on new meaning. Even though I *know* the “Lord is at hand” and “near” my flesh doesn’t want to rejoice. So the alternative is, as you open with, depression; fear; anxiety; and panic.

It’s as I open up — rejoice — that the LORD’s peace is free to do exactly what Paul says; and that is provide comfort and rest, indeed peace, in a way that surpasses all understanding. The challenge is, when tempted with the desires of the flesh — fear and “self-possession” — is not to give in; but in those moments, to rejoice.

Learning to trust the LORD is a painful process — like it must be for gold in fire (if gold felt) — rejoicing is a symptom of trusting/loving God. This is only a Spirit induced reality, and one that I am learning in ways I never thought possible before (my family too).

Ron, thank you for sharing this! I hope your time in Cambodia continues to be fruitful and encouraging for all those you get to fellowship with. I look forward to getting together when you get back!

In Christ,

Bobby Grow

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