I’ve just had one of those crazy weeks, too many things to do and not enough time to do them in. In the middle of it, I got sick. What do you do? Rest! I didn’t realize that the stress had come upon me and was weighing me down. I had a focus and knew what I needed to do, so that wasn’t causing the stress. The stress was actually coming from fear that I didn’t even know existed. Be Encouraged!

It seems like fear can creep in from almost anywhere. I had some important deadlines to meet and the fear was messing with my mind and the ability to meet these on time without letting anyone down. I knew that I had enough time to get everything done because I had even scheduled more than enough time for everything to be done. So why was I all stressed out. I simply didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I wanted to be sure that everything was going to be completed on time. I wasn’t spending enough quiet time alone with the Lord about this, though. I would awake during the night with the fear, “you didn’t do this, or you forgot to think of this.” This usually happened when I was so tired that all I wanted to do was get back to sleep. But it kept going over and over in my head. The enemy was attacking in the night. I’d awake in the morning exhausted and try to get through the day and get to bed earlier the next night. It didn’t dawn on me as to what was happening until I was sick. It seems like some times I don’t get the message until my body gives out.

So, here I am writing about this and coming to the realization of what was actually going on last week. What could I have done differently? I could have spent more quiet time instead of charging off into the day like a bull does to that red cape. I could have dealt with the fear long before now. I could have been watchful, waiting for the attack.

One of the greatest things that did happen when I was in the midst of being sick, was laying in bed and feeling Father wrap me in His loving arms and just hold me. I am so helpless with out Him. I used to do this when I was alone with HIm, but this time it took getting sick before I realized how long it had been. He missed it too. In an instant, I knew that everything was going to be okay. It was all in His hands. The fear was gone and I was at peace.

So, what happened next? Well, everything that needed to get done was completed on time. It wasn’t done ahead of schedule like I had hoped. Some things were put off for a little while, but there is still time for them to be completed. I am continuing on and feeling better. I got one of those special hugs and now I’m going to get them more often. I need them and so does He. I am so glad He allowed me to go through this. I just wish it hadn’t taken this to get my attention of what I needed the most. A hug from Father!

So, what do you need? Do you need a hug? If so, just imagine yourself alone with the Creator of the Universe. Ask Him for a hug. Feel His peace and love as His arms hold you in His presence. Enjoy it for as long as you can. Come back as often as you like. Be filled with His anointing and strength to walk every day. Go from glory to glory. If you don’t know Him, ask Him to show Himself to you. He will and then start walking. Read the Bible and the scriptures and ask Him to teach you about Himself. Here’s to you and a better life.

Joseph