As this week came to an end, I found myself asking, How could I be so afraid? Why were doubts casting shadows over my days?
For months, tears had come so easily as I prayed over the future of this ministry. This was something I had long asked God to do. So why was fear trying to steal my joy now that the answer was unfolding?
Then I had to laugh. Maybe it was because everything I touched this week seemed to break.
First, the air conditioning quit in my car just as temperatures climbed past ninety degrees. Next, the guest bathroom toilet stopped working. Then the washing machine gave out. Just when the new website was nearly ready to launch, the automatic payment failed because the bank mistakenly flagged it as fraud.
The icing on the cake came Saturday at the grocery store. As I handed my debit card to Shannon, the cashier, it was declined.
"That's impossible!" I exclaimed. Then it hit me.
The bank had placed a hold on my card because they suspected fraudulent activity. I couldn't help but shake my head. One more unexpected hurdle.
My inconveniences were minor compared to the trials King David faced. Yet through valleys, battles, and uncertainty, David continued to trust the Lord.
Before facing Goliath, David boldly declared, "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).
David's confidence wasn't in himself—it was in the God who had always been faithful. With a grateful heart he later proclaimed, "I will give thanks to You forever" (Psalm 30:12).
As I listened to Lauren Daigle's song Lead Me, these words captured my heart: "When I'm afraid of where I'll be... You lead me. I close my eyes and hold on tightly to Your hand. I thought You were the sword, but You are the shield."
What a beautiful reminder.
Sometimes God doesn't remove every obstacle. Instead, He becomes our shield as we walk through them.
Where in your life do you need God's protection today?
What uncertain path is inviting you to trust Him more deeply?
Fear often whispers everything is falling apart, but faith reminds us God is still holding everything together. The same God who carried David through impossible battles will faithfully lead us through every uncertainty we face.
Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, when fear overshadows our faith, remind us You are our shield and our steady guide. Help us trust Your faithful hand, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Amen.