Yesterday, I had the TV on to keep me company, and Tyra Banks (now you know why I say I don’t watch TV–who would admit to watching this?) was doing an exercise where people fall backwards into the arms of people who are “catchers.” It was supposedly to build blind trust. It seems like we played this game at slumber parties in the 70s, so I guess the technique has re-emerged as a trust builder. Anyway, I thought it strange that these people had tears in their eyes and talked about how hard it was to fall blindly into the arms of waiting people. And it didn’t take long to realize I am not that different. You know me, Lord.
I get so bogged down with my lack of trust to remember how good God is, and He shows me over and over that He wants such good things for me. This morning I worked my way through several favorite blogs, eventually to Big Mama where she wrote about a prayer her husband spoke over her that so nailed my lack of trust, I am ashamed to admit how taken aback I was with the wisdom of his prayer for her. He said, “I prayed for you this morning. I prayed that God would heal whatever it is in you that feels like anytime He is doing something really good in your life that it means something bad is going to happen.” What is there that causes me to feel that way? Does something bad always have to accompany growth? I secretly have believed this lie. I’m sorry, Lord.
A dear friend reminded me of these words of consolation from Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard, a favorite old book similar to Pilgrim’s Progress: In the book, the Shepherd shows Much Afraid a great fall of waters and He asked her “What do you think of this fall of great waters in their abandonment of self giving?” She trembled and replied that they were beautiful but terrible beyond anything she had ever seen. He asked her “Why terrible?” She replied it was because of the leap they had to make, “the awful height from which they must cast themselves down to the depths beneath, there to be broken on the rocks.” As she meditates further on the sight and speaks more of her thoughts, the Shepherd speaks and says, “At first sight perhaps the leap does look terrible, but as you can see, the water itself finds no terror in it, no moment of hesitation or shrinking, only joy unspeakable, and full of glory, because it is the movement natural to it. Self-giving is its life. It has only one desire, to go down and down and give itself with no reserve or holding back of any kind. You can see that as it obeys that glorious urge the obstacles which look so terrifying are perfectly harmless, and indeed only add to the joy and glory of the movement.” (pps. 186 & 187 of Hinds Feet on High Places) I wrote my friend to tell her how often I feel like Much Afraid and had to pull the book out to look at it again. She wrote me back to remind me that Much Afraid eventually became Grace and Glory. I wrote her back, I want it this side of heaven. Soon, Lord.
This morning, I started with an email from Karen who simply makes me smile. She said they were sharing Hawaiian and Winnie the Pooh quotes all morning at work and having such a good time. I never knew there was so much wisdom from the honey pot, but it seems Pooh is quite the philosopher. She shared another quote, but upon doing my research, I found this from Pooh’s Little Instruction Book: “Rivers know this. We shall get there some day.” Let it be, Lord.
Karen also included another quote as she closed from Max Lucado’s John 3:16 that melted me. “God will not let you go. He has handcuffed himself to you in love. And he owns the only key. You need not win his love. You already have it. And, since you can’t win it, you can’t lose it. Others demote you. God claims you. Let the definitive voice of the universe say, You’re still a part of my plan.” Of all days, I needed this. I often feel I thwart God’s plan in my fears, in my disobedience. And yet He knows exactly who we are and loves us just the same. Thank you, Lord.
Tonight, my son goes on a night flight as a pilot, where has has to have complete trust in his instrument panel and not in what he can see with his eyes or what his other senses tell him. It is quite simply, a matter of trust. We have to. Keep him safe, Lord.
I love the word picture of this song, going “whistling in the dark, making light of it.” He moves us from complacency to the arms of His sure and catching Love. Bless Your mighty Name, Lord.
annette geffert 
Thanks Annie for sharing that not just you, but more like all of us have some “fear” of complete trust. We have all been hurt in some form or fashion that allows that “fear” to take hold. And the enemy latches on to that “fear” and tries to grow it. Thanks for reminding us that we need to seek God and fall on Him to rid ourselves of this “fear”. Miss seeing you on Tuesdays. Are you going to Beth this semester? I’m taking an at home study course on “Captivating”. You can read about it on my blog.
Love to you Sister
Karen
Annie, I need you to send me your Secret clip from SNL. I’m doing a post tomorrow that it will work with. And walk me through getting on my blog. I’m such a stupid googleblogger. Sounds German.Ha
Annie, I read the part of your post about night flight to him – he remembered his days training for instrument rating. I’m sure your son will do just fine – tell him an “old pilot” is rooting for him.Thanks for writing about a subject which gave him some nice memories.
Hi, Annette,
I just stopped by (I was in the neighborhood!) to see what you’ve been up to and saw this beautiful post. I loved Big Mama’s post too that you referenced.
You are Grace and Glory to me, Annette! If and when you get ready to read Hinds’ Feet On High Places, will you let me know so I can read it along with you? Maybe we can read it together and share what the Lord shows us.
I’m sorry I didn’t know about Greg’s flight so I could have prayed, but I’m assuming since you weren’t a basket case when I talked to you today, that he came through the test just fine!
I love you, dear Annette.
Love, Jean
Dear Annie,
I just have to comment, because your post touched my heart. I feel that currently I’m in a holding pattern regarding several issues in my life ie. financial, and job related. I know that this must be a testing of my faith, and I pray for patience and the ability to trust my Father, for he know what’s best for me, in His time.
B
Hi Annie,
I’m sure the Lord helped me find your blog today. What an amazing post. I want to go back and re-read it. How it is speaking to my heart today. I have a friend who often refers to me as “Little Much Afraid”. Oh that I would become “Grace and Glory”. Soon Lord.
Keep writing for Him – God is using you to bless and encourage many.
Annie,
I battle fear so much in my life. I read that quote from Hinds Feet on High Places from a comment left on Bev’s blog. It really stirred me and got me to thinking too.
I take it the mother is always a mother no matter how old her children are. My 18 year old is driving himself to New Braunsfels for spring break. I have to trust the Lord to keep him safe. How was your son’s flight?
Thanks Annie–
Love and blessings in Christ–
Hey Annie, great post! Check out Psalm 90:16, May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. Amen
Thank you for that very real post Annie. It makes me think of that beautiful hymn “Trust and Obey.” SOmething so simple can be so hard sometimes.
I hope your son had a very successful flight! One proud momma you are huh?!
Hugs~
Fran
Will be anxious to hear how the filght went, too!
I was touched by Big Mama’s post, too. I believe that some people are simply wired up by God to be a little more cautious about what’s going on around them, and it is our duty to push into God to grow in this area. What hurts me about the “something good just happened–look out for the rain cloud” syndrome is that in essence, we are not trutsing the character of God. We know problems will come, but we know Him, which should make all the difference. But we are still weak. My husband just brought the 3;16 book home and marked ch. 5 for me to read. I’ll get to that today some time. He is my favorite contemporary author. Sorry so long a comment!
Oh, how He knew I needed to read this. I’ve been thinking the same thought, that in order to grow hard things were going to keep happening to us. The enemy is really trying to do a number on me. He spoke to me thru your words. Bless you for being so transparent. May He bless your son. My son is a firefigher and he loves it…..it is his calling and he is happy, so therefore I turn him over to Him and trust Him to take care of him every day, not to say that I don’t pray for his safety etc, but I know he’s where God wants him. Thank you for sharing your heart. Blessings.
Yes, what a powerful post!! My goodness I enjoyed reading all of that and was convicted all at the same time. I have been that way, when good things were happening I would be thinking, oh no when is the bad going to happen?! YUK!! Thank you for this post!
What a powerful post and what a day… and night! The quote from Max Lucado is one I want etched on my heart forever. I love the song… never heard it before but it was perfect for your post. I am praying for Greg tonight! You are such an amazing writer. You continue to bless me!
Love you…
Angie
p.s. I love the Label… Battles and Victories.