We all start out thinking this is temporary. We believe some doctor or potion will eventually get us back to the state of normalcy to which we have become accustomed.
So when does that change? At what point during sickness do we shift to the mindset that it may not happen.
And what causes that shift? Is it lack of hope? Is it lack of community? Is it watching other people get better when you don’t? Is it just a slow transition that becomes harder and harder to avoid?
For me, the hardest times are when I am focusing on the questions. What will happen if I don’t get better? How will we pay the bills? Will we lose our house? Will my family give up on me?
Fear. That’s all it is. God has a lot to say about fear. In fact it’s mentioned so many times in the Bible that you could read a new verse about fear every day of the year. And I encourage you to do that.
In the movie After Earth, Will Smith gives a speech on fear that says it better than I ever could:
Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me danger is very real but fear is a choice. ~Will Smith
Danger is real. Sickness is real. But fear is nothing more than a tool satan uses to steal hope. Fear is a choice. And fear is a liar.
God has plans for you…plans for hope and a future (Jer 29:11). Stop letting fear drive you. Focus on what He is doing today. Today is temporary. Tomorrow starts fresh.
So choose to set aside the fear of the future and choose believe in hope. It’s not easy – it’s work – but it’s worth it.
Fear Is A Liar (Zach Williams video)
PhilippiJoy 
Hi Shawn. I was thinking about you and was hoping you left me a message!
Im grateful for your warm heart and words of strength, encouragement and your prayers today!! I will get thru this!
– Tod 😇
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Yes you will get thru this…but I know sometimes it really doesn’t feel like it. I’m glad to hear from you…I was worried about you!
I was thinking tonight that after a sauna, when I’m wiped out and feeling like you were/are – a cold washcloth on my neck and forehead help a little. Sorry I didn’t think of it sooner.
Get some rest this weekend – let me know if you need anything. You can email me at philippijoy@yahoo.com. K?
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Fear is the most difficult emotion for me to conquer as the pain and suffering reach a point where surviving to see the next day often does not seem like a certainty!
I will keep reading this to remind me to believe in hope and not let fear stand in the way. Thanks for posting this!
– Tod
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Fear is hard to overcome. It’s especially hard when you don’t see hope for the future. You are not alone. You got this brother! Minute by minute – day by day. You WILL improve.
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Thinking about you Tod. I know it feels awful right now – but you are ok. Rest this weekend. Drink tons of water. Don’t give up and don’t give in.
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Shawn can I share this with a friend?
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
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Absolutely!
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