Sister, Sister

I received an e-mail from Tina Osbourn yesterday stating she needed some singers to volunteer for the "Sister Summit" better known as "What Not to Wear" this Wednesday which was today. So I giddy yapped my way up to Harvest Bible Chapel for a time of sisterhood filled with a skit, worship, message, and everyone's favorite, lots of sugary food! First, Ellen McInerney and someone else acted out an episode from "What Not to Wear" which was absolutely delightful. Ellen plays a great "Stacey." Following that, me and the gals headed up to the mics in the worship center and lead a time of worship under the direction of the very talented Tina Osbourn. Finally we heard a message from Lina Abujamra about putting off fear and putting on freedom. She is a physician who works in the emergency room and has just recently graduated from Northwestern with a Masters in Business. Why isn't this girl married? Anyways, the scripture she focused on was Matthew 14:22-33 the story of Jesus walking on water. It is amazing that even after 2 years of a ministry filled with miracles and seeing Jesus do all kinds of amazing things and yet the disciples are sitting in a boat, fearful of facing this storm of a lifetime. God allows the fearful circumstances in your life because it serves to test your faith. 1Peter 4:12 says "do not be surprised when faced with trials." In Hebrews it says that our salvation was made perfect through Christ's suffering. God allows fearful circumstances as it reveals our heart, Luke 6:45. God is aware of the fearful circumstances we are in. He knew his disciples were freaking out as he went up to the mountain to pray. He knows about it. Then He delays on purpose to give us an opportunity to show our faith. There is no doubt though, that He will deliver you but He wants you to recognize Him during those fearful circumstances. Just like Peter did as he was walking to Jesus and started to sink. "Save me" he said to Jesus and sure enough Jesus reached out his hand. Our God is a jealous God. He wants us to know that we need Him beyond anything else first and foremost. God wants to abolish our fear. We sometimes think that our freedom will come when the bad situation finally goes away. God wants us to experience that freedom now! During the storm. The way to freedom is through faith. So we need to ask for freedom and be willing to be obedient to God and take the first step. We need to keep our focus on Jesus by spending time with Him and other Christians. Develop the habit of looking at Jesus and going to the Lord first and not a human source. We must be willing to ask again and again. There are obstacles to the freedom God is ready to give us. We are distracted by other people, by the circumstance itself, and by even our ownselves. Finally, God's Will is accomplished when you are free Galatians 5:1! He wants to grow your faith. He wants you to get to know Him. He wants to be glorified! What are some practical ways we can apply this message? If you are fearful of your finances, give more. If you are fearful of a relationship and are having difficulties, love more. If you are fearful of health circumstances, live more. If you are fearful of what other people will think, reach out more. The evening ended with another time of worship and then out to the foyer for food and fellowship. Thank you God for never letting go of us, through calm and through storm you are always there. Whom then shall we fear?