Please don't refresh this page.
We are submitting all your information.

This takes few seconds.
It will redirect after submission.
Devotional
CONNECTION HOME
< Prev Next >
June 02, 2023

Changing My Status

June 02, 2023 by JOYCE VOELKER SECURITY Identity in Christ
Changing My Status
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18

I don't live in Europe anymore. Just thinking about it was surreal. Staring at my Facebook page made me feel like a liar. My timeline photo of the walled city of Évora seemed deceptive now that we had taken up permanent residence in Iowa. No castles here, folks! No ocean waves crashing onto the beach, no ancient Roman ruins, and no walled cities or palaces. It was time to change my "about" information.


Changing my status should not have been difficult, yet I struggled with the simple task for months. Could it be that I had tied my identity and security to my “position” as a global worker? Who was I here in Iowa? What would I do with my time? How would God use me in this new stage of our lives? Would I ever learn to rest secure in Him off the field just as I had striven to live out our years of serving the Savior in Europe?


As a young adult, I memorized1 John 4:18 in The Living Bible paraphrase. I still love the way these words target my sin and send me running to the Savior for forgiveness, security, and hope. Perhaps they will do the same for you, fellow pilgrim.


"We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us." (TLB)


Insecurity is a form of fear. In light of all God has done for me over decades of knowing Him as Savior, I do not need to walk in doubt, have a complaining spirit, or fret. Christ did not promise a life where there is never anything to worry about. Instead, He offers peace and security amid life's problems and difficulties.

Closing Prayer
Father, regardless of where I live and how I serve You, I know that I am not alone. You are always at my side. Help me to remember that I am always secure in You. Thank you for reminding me of this truth. Amen.
Resources
Sermon: Why Worry? God’s in Charge by Alistair Begg If you have never listened to Alistair Begg before, give yourself a minute to adjust to his Scottish brogue and British vocabulary. The message is worth hearing and understanding. (Hint: “windscreen” = “windshield” and “boot” = “trunk.”) When worry raises its ugly head, we can make the choice to trust God and rest secure in His promises.
Question for Reflection

When your status changes, what helps you remember that your security is found in your position in Christ rather than in the circumstances around you?

Comments
Joyce Voelker
June 02, 2023

Hebrews 13:8 reminds me that Jesus Christ is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. My circumstances change often, but He remains the same faithful, merciful promise keeper.