“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)

Blindness in the Panic

My roommate had a friend over, who had brought her little girl with her. I’d say the little one was about four or five. As the ladies were visiting, she played quietly, and was eating a lollipop. Suddenly, she gasped. “SHE’S CHOKING!” screamed the mother. My roommate reached for the child, ready to do the Heimlich. The mother, completely panicked, grabbed the child, and ran outside. We followed, both of us trying to either grab the little girl or calm the mother. We kept telling her we knew what to do, but she was oblivious to us, and was screaming at passing cars for help. Finally, in the tussle, the candy dislodged from the girl’s throat, and she started to cry. My friend and I looked at each other in relief, as we knew her airway was clear. “SHE’S CRYING!” screamed the mother in elevated panic, and more chaos ensued. It seemed like it took us forever to make her see that all was well. Finally, we made our way back into the house, and I suggested that the mother take a first aid class to avoid a repeat of this scenario! 

The thing is, help was right in front of her the entire time, but in her panic, she was blind to it. I myself fall victim to it in areas of my life.  And yet, God has the answer for every single thing. What makes you panic?

Those unpaid bills?
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

That diagnosis?
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

The future?
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

Your marriage?
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

Your job?
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

Are your children not walking with the Lord?
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

No matter what we are going through, no matter how impossible it seems, no matter how it makes us panic, let’s not forget…He is with us, even to the end of the age. Praise You, Lord!

“Thank You, Lord, for Your Word that reminds us that You will NEVER leave us or forsake us. We believe, Lord. Help our unbelief! Help us to not be blinded by our panic…for You are with us always. Heal our blindness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”