Week One — The Sin We Excuse

I called it everything but what it was.

Attention. Smarts. Diligence. I probably even thought it was wisdom. For years, I treasured my worries, feeding and watering them regularly as though staying abreast of every possible threat in every imaginable scenario, would give me the power to avert tragedy and come out on top. What I thought was wisdom was worry; what I thought was smart living was blatant disobedience. We can talk ourselves into almost anything if we try hard enough, and I was masterful at rationalizing my sin of worry as something not only smart, but admirable!

I was masterful at it until the Master opened my eyes to His truth in Matthew 6. Jesus’ words: “Do not be worried” were not a passing suggestion. They were and are a command. My worry—regardless of the name I assigned it—was disobedience. I’m still amazed at how blind I was to this for so long, but am so grateful for God’s patience and healing!

• So what about you? What is the biggest fear or worry that you are carrying? As Jan said, go ahead and try to write it (or them!) down.

• Then, share with us what Scripture verse has God given you that has helped you with your worries.

Once you’ve shared your answers, go ahead and comment on something another person has shared to encourage them, okay? It’s a great way to help us get to know each other and to learn from one another as we study the Word together!

Next week we’ll be looking at how worry can choke the Word, so enjoy your time in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15, and Romans 5:1-11. 

Looking forward to hearing from you on the blog . . . so don’t be shy! And whatever you do, don't worry about what other people are going to think! ;) We're all in this together! 

Many blessings,

pam :)