Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Lessons from a broken window

So I had something happen to me on Monday night that has never happened before.

I was at soccer practice with Becca when my van was broken into and my purse stolen. Aside from feeling like an idiot for leaving my purse in my car (DON'T DO IT! EVEN AT YOUR CHURCH! DON'T DO IT!) I was feeling mad and frustrated and overwhelmed. And yes it happened at my church.

I was ticked that somebody would have the nerve to break into a car less than 30 yards from the owner. I could SEE my car. And there were maybe 7 cars in the whole lot. Oh it makes me want to scream right now.

I was overwhelmed because Daniel was out of town and it was getting dark and I had to go home with no window, glass all over the van knowing all the things we had to do like canceling credit cards and checks. My sweet friend followed me home and other friends met me there. Melissa gave my kids a bath and helped me get them in bed. Chad and Faith came for moral support and spent the night. Did I mention I have great friends?

Anyway we got everything canceled and hopefully there won't be too much damage done to our accounts. But what I was left with was fear. After Chad and Faith left yesterday, I was overcome with panic. I made the kids come inside from playing. I was afraid to leave them to take a shower. I set our alarm, which I never do during the day. I was pretty much a mess by the time Daniel got home.

I just couldn't get away from the fact that these people know our address. They have keys to Daniel's car. Even though I know that more likely than not they just wanted cash and credit cards, which they used at least 4 times before we could cancel, the fear started taking over.

My girls prayed for me at accountability group last night. They offered to come over during the day. And this morning right after I got up I read this in God Calling:

.....Are doubts and fears in your hearts? Then think of Me, speak to Me. Instead of those fears and doubts there will flow into your hearts and beings such sweet Joy as is beyond any joy of earth.
This is unfailing. Never doubt it. Courage. Courage. Courage. Fear nothing. Rejoice even in the darkest places. Rejoice.

How good and on-time is God? He knows what we need, when we need it. I have been so encouraged today. I even took a shower!!

I know that bad things happen. But worrying about things you can't control doesn't honor the God who has it ALL under control. As Faith said, "He is our rear guard. He's got your back!" So I'll be reminding myself of that as the days go by and fear tries to creep in.

Do you have fear or worry in your heart? Just say His name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.

7 comments:

Ashleigh said...

I am so sorry Jen! I will be praying for you to grasp that courage that I know is hard to grasp onto!! (btw, I am jealous of your sweet friends).
I love you.

Melissa said...

Oh honey! I am so sorry that happened. I am really glad that Chad and Faith could stay when we couldn't. The Lord knew what you needed and He continues to know your heart. The same way that you wanted to pull your kids close... He pulls you close! John 1:12 says, "to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." You DO believe and you ARE His! He's gathering you under His wing!!
I struggle with the fear of loss sometimes... especially with my parents. Thanks for the reminder that He wants us to fully trust Him!
I LOVE YOU! We are here if you need us!

Faith said...

I'm so glad that you and the kids are okay and I am continuing to claim God's protection over your family.

I thought about you when I read that in God Calling yesterday. God is so good and His words are right on time. I needed to be reminded of this again, because this morning I woke with fear and worry in my heart. I will call on the name of Jesus, because something happens when we mention His Name! Praise you Jesus!

Love you so! You know I'm just a phone call and a few streets away!

Rebecca Jo said...

What awesome friends you have! And I know that feeling - its such an invasion of your privacy. Its a horrible feeling - but God has you protected. Keep speaking that name of Jesus!!!!

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

Oh girl I'm so sorry that happened to you!! How scary that it was right there at the fields! I can imagine that it's so uneasy feeling right now and I will pray for peace and comfort to surround you!!

mommieof2 said...

Iam so sorry this happened to you. I had this happen to me a year ago this month at Kyle's preschool last year (a church as well). I even saw the man running off when I came outside. It makes you feel so violated. You just have to know that the lord is watching over you and your family and that he will keep you safe. Hope to see ya at the game tomorrow night.

MiMi said...

I am so sorry that happened to you and I can only imagine how frightening that must have been. I am so thankful that you and the kids are OK and I will continue to pray that God will put His hedge of protection around you and your family.

How awesome the words that God spoke to you through God Calling. He's always right on time!