Every so often on the blog, I post something I shared with my MOPS group. MOPS is a group that gathers to encourage mamas of children ranging from birth to age five, including mamas-to-be. To find out more about MOPS or to find a local MOPS group, head on over to the MOPS website.
Imagine it’s nap time and you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed. An image of orange leaves catches your eye. The leaves, practically tangerine in color, are falling from a branch from the top left of the photo set against a background of pale blue. Though vibrant in color, the leaves are a bit blurry. In the foreground, front and center, in crisp white lettering, you see the words of Isaiah 43:2: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. “
This is what Rachel Wojo,* had to say about her image on Instagram: “There is an enemy who longs to strangle you with fear, to squelch your flame of faith, to keep you from all God has for you. You’ve met him and know him. But this enemy? He flees at the name of Jesus. The One who calls you by name is only a call away. Fear has no dominion over you because HIS perfect love is more powerful than any anxiety, worry or fear you may encounter. The One who redeemed you didn’t shed his precious blood for you, only to lose you. Oh no. Jesus conquered death itself with his perfect love; even your worst fear is no match for his love!”
God is speaking everywhere, even on social media. Did you catch that? You are his! You don’t have to be anxious! He will help you be brave when life is hard, one step at a time. You might not feel brave. But each time you acknowledge his presence, when you call on him and believe what he says about you is true, you are being brave.
Another thing: God tells us throughout the Bible that his perfect plan is for us to love him with our whole heart, follow him and not live in fear because he has amazing things planned for us, all because he loves us so, which basically makes me want to get on Instagram and create my own fall image with Ephesians 2:10 in fancy-pants lettering. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Pray with me, please…God we thank you for the freedom from fear that you offer. We thank you for MOPS, this safe place where we can let our guard down and be filled with your life-giving presence. I love that we can call on your name wherever we go. Thank you for the hot breakfast this morning, and for the Mamas who frantically prepared it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*Since I’m a rule follower, I first asked author Rachel Wojo if I could share her post to open our MOPS meeting. Her exact words, “Absolutely Girl. Thanks for asking; it’s all His.” Also, I’m not the one who stumbled upon Rachel’s Instagram post. My friend Kathy, who happens to be one of our amazing MOPS kids coordinators, found the post and shared it at our planning meeting.
Every time I read or hear this lately, it touches a place deep inside of me. So glad you were able to share it this morning, and I’m looking forward to your Instagram post with your favorite Fall image and Ephesians 2:10!
Kathy, thank you for sharing Rachel’s Instagram post with me in the first place!