Earlier in my life when I thought about changes I’d like to make about myself I had one desire – to be taller! It was really an issue as a teenager when all my friends were “normal” height and I stood at a whopping 4’9″. “Shorty, Minnow, and other kind names were given to me, causing me to struggle even more with my stature. However, no wishing or dreaming could make me an inch taller.
In Matthew 6 we read the passage about God’s loving care for us. Matthew says in verse 27, Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? The answer? No one! Worrying won’t change how tall you are! I am proof! As a matter of fact, the truth is that worrying won’t make you taller; worrying will make you smaller because it shrinks your testimony!
The passage goes on to say that in the very same way that we can’t change our height, neither can we do anything about our needs, but there is One who can! God knows our needs, and just the way He takes care of the sparrows and feeds them and also clothes the lilies, He will feed and clothe us. He can also protect us from harm, guide us in decision making , give help in trouble, and heal us when we’re sick. Worrying won’t help any of those situations, it will only worsen them because it shows our lack of faith in an all-powerful God! That’s how our testimony shrinks. People who know we’re Christians, look at our wrinkled brow and wringing hands and wonder why we’re doubting God. Could they still come to us for counsel, knowing that we are fretful over things that only God can handle? No. We’ve destroyed our testimony.
I recently heard the testimony of a missionary in India that held a baptismal service in a river. He felt leeches attaching themselves to his leg and foot. He was startled, but he knew he could trust His God. He finished the service, then left the waters to care for his wounds. That’s faith! That’s also an incredible testimony of someone who knows their God. That’s the kind of person that can help others in their time of crisis.
How well do we know our God? Do we know Him enough that we won’t worry about a financial , material, physical, or spiritual need because we know He promises to provide for us? That’s the kind of faith for we each need to be praying.
So, is your testimony growing or shrinking? May you stand tall!
Glad to be 4’9″,
RefreshHer 