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Whom Shall I Fear?

I've been reflecting this week on the recent robbery I faced and I wanted to share a few more interesting details:
  • I didn't have my cell phone with me when I went to bed the night before the attack.  My phone was charging in the kitchen, but I got a late night call from a friend and brought my phone to my nightstand, just close enough to reach when I was bound and gagged.

  • My sister-in-law had her cell phone on silence when I made the phone call to her at 6:25 a.m.  However, at 6:22 she had to go to the restroom and when she came back to her bed she saw the flashing light on her cell phone with a new message.

  • I was extremely calm and at peace during the entire ordeal.
  • Our little guy remained asleep during shouting and more yelling (I'm still hoarse) and the dog barking and the crashing of chairs...you get the idea.  He still has no clue that a bad man was a few feet from him and did him no harm. He sensed something happened since we didn't sleep at home at night, but I just told him we're having a slumber party!
 Are those little things coincidences?

Nope. 

God was with us and guiding our rescue at every level.

I've wondered why this had to happen while my strong and valiant husband was away.  As much as my husband loves me and protects us with all his might, I've learned more deeply this week that only God is ALWAYS with me.  My trust and confidence has to be in Christ alone. The temptation I faced after the robbery was to tell my husband to get on an early flight and come home to console me and to protect me from future attacks.  Yet, I felt like God was asking me if I truly trust HIM to be my protector and the shield about me.

This week I felt a huge fear of returning to my home.  I almost vomited when I opened my front door two days after the incident and smelled the strong odor of the man who attacked me still clinging in the air.  I had to pray that fear not grip me and paralyze me from living the joyful life God has called me to enjoy.

I continued to pray this prayer over my life, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of whom shall I be afraid?" -Psalm 27:1  I asked that God's peace and joy would sweep over me and allow me to rest at night.  I definitely felt your prayers as well and by the fourth night, I was not waking up to every noise in the darkness.  


I am so grateful that my life and my precious son were spared harm and I recognize how quickly my life could have been snuffed out.  God obviously has a plan for me and my family and I am greatly encouraged to continue serving, continue loving and continue clinging to the only ONE who saves.


Is there something that you fear today?  


I can say that God is the only one who brings light to the darkness and brings rest to our hearts!

Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing your testimony, Julie! Love you, girl! Will continue for the battle that your mind may face in the days and months ahead that you will continue to preach the truth to yourself and that His peace will guard your heart and mind!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, Julie. It's amazing how God put everything in place for you and Timmy to be safe and remain strong even during Norberto's absence. You've come to mind a lot in the last few days. So happy that your family is together again!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Julie. I stumbled upon your blog, and was greatly encouraged by this article. Praise God for his protection over you and your son in every way.
    From Mark Simpson (Lancashire, England)
    PS - I love it that the previous article is tagged 'Adventure'!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Julie,
    I have been praying for you and your family and you have been on my mind a lot! You are being covered in prayer here in Indiana!! It is amazing how you can see God providing always!! He is our only true source of strength and he is our shield! Your family is a blessing to many! We love you all!!
    Melissa Chastain
    Indiana

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've been reading that psalm (27) and will preach it tomorrow. Maybe I'll use your story if you don't mind as an illustration. I'm glad you made it through and that God was with you.

    ReplyDelete

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