Fear Not.
Greetings friends,
This blog comes straight from Joey’s heart.
He writes, “I was focused on ‘fear’ this week… talking with my granddaughters (Mercy, Sunday, Ruby Joy, Story and Journey) about their fears in life. It was interesting to listen to the fears of little girls (ages 2 - 13 years).
We might be surprised at how many of our fears have followed us from our youth. Sometimes it’s just plain scary to think about it.” What do you fear?
You might find it “ironic” to know that the Bible tells us to “fear not” exactly 365 times. One for every day of the year. God is ever so intentional and ever so clear. We know we don’t need to fear, but we choose to anyway… why do we fear?
Joey writes, “I had two MRI’s scheduled this past weekend to check my shoulder and neck after the car accident on February 27, 2023. I’ve experienced pain and limitations to function normally in my life.
Honestly, I’ve been battling for several days “fearing” what might be discovered from the MRI results along with lying in that little tube for 20 minutes per visit! Why Fear?”
Have you ever considered the worst thing that could possibly happen to you? We could exhaust a list of the absolute worst things we believe could ever happen… losing a child, losing a spouse, watching a loved one suffer. What’s amazing to realize is that none of those things can possibly compare to the actual worst thing that could ever happen to someone: total separation from God.
If you don’t believe me, take some time to listen to this scripturally backed testimony of a man who testifies that Jesus took him to hell in order that he may share his experience for us to hear and be warned.
The best news for you to know today and every day is that God has promised that those who believe in Him will never know what it’s like to be separated from Him.
So the worst can quite literally never happen to you, so long as you believe! God beautifully promises us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). The song Defender by Bethel Music describes this scripture so intimately. It describes what we must do to love and trust God and how God rescues us every time.
What an awesome time to embrace God’s command to “fear not” as we are in the midst of Holy Week. A time to intentionally reflect on the very reason we have no reason to fear. Be encouraged friends: what Jesus walked through for us pales in comparison to what we walk through. And better yet, HE KNOWS just how to resolve our problems. The problems in us and the problems around us. Enjoy resting in the peace that He knows it all; He is sovereign. The problem isn’t whether He is true, the problem is whether we believe Him.
Joey proclaims, “I’m choosing today to lay down my fears - of how to feed the children in all of our locations, my fears of what is happening in my body, my fears of my physical limitations, my fears of the mental weight I carry - at the feet of Jesus."
Lay it all down at the very place we remember and celebrate this weekend; the cross.
"God, I praise you for my children: Josiah & Jordan and Andrew & Hannah Beth, and their families and how they walk by faith and not by sight. I thank you for the thrill of now watching my grandchildren develop their faith. We see You in their lives!”
JPM is embracing the challenges and obstacles we face as we endure our upcoming projects in April, May and June. The Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and Refugee Camps in Greece will surely bring many unknowns we must embrace.
Cathy and Joey will experience the Corrie Ten Boom & Anne Frank Historical sites in the Netherlands; a most incredible place to rest and reflect on the Saints of our faith who have so bravely followed Jesus.
We would be remiss not to mention the seriousness of the state of our people in Roatan Island, Honduras.
We are seeking to make our first Food Container Shipment of peanut butter and peanuts as their lack of food is so dangerous and dier.
As often as you think of us, please pray over this project.
Joey has asked that we pray specifically about a vehicle for JPM. We are looking for a 2016-2020 SUV. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer.
Thank you for your prayers for us. We see God smashing every obstacle and reigning over every unknown clearly in our lives. He is so, so good. He is the best Father.
Please reach out to us so we may pray for you as well.
Remember: FEAR NOT! “For the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you…”
Embracing Jesus alongside you,
Joey & Cathy
