Fear-Demolishing Love

It was late in the day as I headed to the post office, hoping I’d get there before it closed. I was shipping ten more Courageous Faith Bible studies to a church in Cotopaxi, CO. I was a bit surprised by the order; I’d delivered a box of books earlier in the summer and extra books a few weeks later.

I assumed they’d have finished the study by now, but the pastor’s wife sweetly explained: We are going very slowly, “savoring every word and sentence.” Additional ladies had recently joined the group and wanted to buy extra ones to send to family members who needed encouragement.

I had rushed to the post office that afternoon feeling the pressure of new responsibilities and a bit discouraged by the items on my to-do list that remained unfinished. There were additional concerns and fears for the future weighing heavily on my heart.

I stood in the post office line and prayed as I always did for the women who would receive these books: “Lord, speak powerfully and clearly to these ladies, breathe fresh words of faith, courage and love into their hearts as they study Your Word through Courageous Faith.”

As the woman in front of me finished her transaction and walked past me, she stopped and pointed at my box. “I’m so sorry,” she said, “I don’t usually read the addresses on other people’s packages and I’m not trying to be nosy, but … ummm … that’s my mom.”

What? How crazy is that? We introduced ourselves but were barely able to enjoy the moment as I was being summoned by the post office clerk.

Later I learned that “Melissa” never goes to that particular post office and “coincidentally” had ended up there at the exact same time as me. If she had walked out of the post office in the other direction, she would have never even seen my package … but God directed her steps …

I just love it when the Lord orchestrates surprise meetings like that … but a part of me wondered … “Lord, that was really fun, thank you, but what was the point, what are you trying to say?”

As I drove home, God began to uncover the purpose of the “chance encounter”.

I was reminded of a couple of my favorite verses:

Cheer up … don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT)

Nothing can separate us from His love!! Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. (Romans 8:38)

I slowly began to realize that God had written me a love letter that day – and ironically enough – chosen to deliver it in a post office.

It was as if God was saying: “Kelly, I know where you live – I’ve got your address. I love you – Don’t you worry about a thing.”

Can you imagine how different our lives would be if we allowed the truth of God’s personal, extravagant love to wash away all our fears? What if instead of focusing on all we need to do, we focused on how deeply we are loved?

Would you pause right now and ask the Lord help you embrace the truth that you are not only deeply loved, but every thought of you actually puts a song in your Savior’s heart?