The Next Thing

There's at least one more "weapon" we must learn to wield in our fight against fear: obedience.  

We fight fear, not only with prayer and promises, but with action that declares to God and everyone else: "I will not let this fear dictate my life."

This advice comes from Elisabeth Elliot (again) in the form of an old poem (emphasis mine):

“Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here. 
Moment my moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, ‘DO THE NEXT THING.’
Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ’neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, ‘DO THE NEXT THING.’”
                                                                   --author unknown

As an act of faith, I must pray, "Lord, I believe you are going to deliver me from this fear. I am asking for your help. I am going to keep asking for your help. I am going to keep speaking truth. But in the meantime, I'm going to do what you've called me to do."

Then I have to get off the couch and do it. Something. Anything. The next thing.

So what's your next thing? It might be to simply get out of bed and take a shower. It might be to get in the car and drive the carpool. It might be to go talk to your teenager or be consistent to teach your toddler to come "right away, all the way, and with a happy heart."

Whatever your mothering fear, cast it on the Lord and do the next thing. And, as JC Ryle encourages parents: "It is in the going forward that God will meet you."