10 Weeks and Counting!!!

Wow!  I just got an email from Heidi (the on the field missionary that will be hosting our team) confirming hotel accomodations as well as a few other details about the trip.  Man, I get more and more excited with every email, team meeting, fundraiser or conversation about the upcoming mission trip.  However, Heidi closed her email by saying "10 weeks to go!"  In a split second, my excitement shifted (for just a moment) to panic!  For that brief moment, all the details flashed before me along with questions like: "Are we prepared?  Have I done a good job as a leader?  Is everything in place in Bolivia?  Will all the money come in?..."  That's fear and fear is a part of life.  Jesus warned us that "in this world you will have trouble."  Even so, I don't think fear is something to be afraid of.  I think if we fear fear, fear will take control.  It takes control when we focus on what we can do to protect ourselves.  That's the problem with fear - out of fear, we think we have to take control.  But, what if we look fear in the face and clearly admit that "I am not in control and I can't save myself"?  What if we throw up our hands, bow our heads and say: "Lord, I'm scared but I know that you are mighty.  I am weak but I know You are strong.  You are my rock and my redeemer.  "I am not but I know I AM" (Giglio). I trust in You and You alone Jesus.  Please take control."  That's exactly what I did - I faced fear head on (not with my strength or under my control, but totally relying on Jesus).  I know that God is in control.  I also know that Jesus did not leave us hanging with the statement "in this world you will have trouble."  He finished it strongly by declaring "take heart, I have conquered the world."  He conquered death for you and me!  When we rest in the hands of our risen Savior - Jesus Christ, what is there to fear?  Now with His peace and by His grace, my excitement is even greater than before. 10 weeks to go! Bolivia here we come!  Hu-ah!