Why do we worry?

Growing up I was always told that I was a worrywart. I was someone who always had to make sure things were right and I worried "what if it doesn't turn out the way it's suppose to?" or "what if no one likes it?" One of my biggest fears a few years ago was, "What if I don't make a good leader?" I believe God used others to tell me that there was no need to worry. As long as I was doing my best and leading with spirit of Godliness, God would handle the rest.

Last school year, something that seemed repetitive to me was so many people saying that worrying is fear and fear is sin. I knew that but I just kept hearing it which brought me to the point of questioning why so many people kept saying it. They weren't all saying it to me; I even said it to people a few times. I didn't realize just how much it had been engraved into my head but maybe not so much my heart. Worry is something that we all deal with at some point.

One thing that I have really been asking God for direction in is in my leadership of the dance team. There are some significant changes that have happened and with this one-month summer recruiting trip coming up I wanted to make sure that I was renewing my leadership capabilities and strengths and knowledge with God. A few weeks before school ended I had questioned my own leadership. I came home for summer and in the second week of being here, everything seemed great; I was looking forward to starting the summer trip and I felt like I was renewed as a leader. As the weeks went on, I began to question my leadership again and I didn't know why. I now know it was because of fear.

Last night before going to bed, I did my devotions..little did I realize that because I had been doing it on the internet the time had changed to be todays devotions-God however knew that he needed to give me some reminding. I journaled on Romans 14:23 where it says, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." I received a phone call today updating me on a few things that also gave me the encouragement to take on more responsibility starting that moment. Right then and there, fear took over. I sounded happy and excited but fear and worry set in. "Am I going to be a good leader? Will they be able to answer to my authority? Will I be respected? Will I be heard?" were just a few of the questions of worry circling in my head. Then I went back to what I read in my devotion, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." If I am worrying, I am sinning. Trusting God completely even though I don't know what is ahead of me is what I need to be doing. I may not know but God does and as long as I put my faith in Him and His plan and know the He has got it all under control, there is no need to be worrying or fearing anything.

That is my prayer for all us. We don't know what the new school year will bring. We don't know about any of the situations that will come up or about any of the crazy, happy moments we are going to have but we do know that God has it all under control and our faith is what will sustain us.

Lord, I pray for every woman reading this right now. I ask that you continue to shape us in your ways and guide us to continue to walk in your plan. Please help us to remain faithful and remember that you have it all under control in times of worry. Help us to not worry or fear what is ahead of us or fear the unknown but have faith that no matter what it is, you are there. I know we are starting of this year on such an amazing note, growing deeper in you, together. Thank You for amazing friends and for the amazing relationships we are making and the ones we will make with all the current and incoming students. Help us to shine you and represent you in every step we take. I love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.