The devotional today is another excerpt from Calm Moments for Anxious Days by Max Lucado.

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Feed your faith, and your fears will starve.

Believe He Can

Don’t be afraid; just believe. — Mark 5:36

The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. Even Christ was afraid (Mark 14:33). But make your fear a visitor and not a resident. Hasn’t fear taken enough? Enough smiles? Chuckles? Restful nights, exuberant days? Meet your fears with faith. 

Do what my father urged my brother and me to do. Summertime for the Lucado family always involved a trip from West Texas to the Rocky Mountains. (Think Purgatory to Paradise.) My dad loved to fish for trout on the edge of the white-water rivers. Yet he knew that the currents were dangerous and his sons could be careless. Upon arrival we’d scout out the safe places to cross the river. He’d walk us down the bank until we found a line of stable rocks. He was even known to add one or two to compensate for our short strides. 

As we watched, he’d test the stones, knowing if they held him, they’d hold us. Once on the other side, he’d signal for us to follow.

“Don’t be afraid,” he could have said. “Trust me.”

We children never needed coaxing. But we adults often do. Does a river of fear run between you and Jesus? Cross over to Him.

Believe He can. Believe He cares.

Does the path ahead look uncertain, even frightening? Maybe this image will help. When a father leads his four-year-old son down a crowded street, he takes him by the hand and says, “Hold on to me.” He doesn’t say, “Memorize the map.” Or, “Take your chances dodging the traffic.” Or, “Let’s see if you can find your way home.” The good father gives the child one responsibility: “Hold on to my hand.” When fears threaten your faith, remember this: 

You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head. — Psalm 139:5 NLT

God’s Promise to Me: I don’t have to live afraid. Because God cares. He holds my hands and leads me safely to Him.

Today’s Updates:

Zach had a difficult day today where he deteriorated and is in critical condition. Overnight, Zach’s fever and heart rate were very high. When we came in this morning, Zach was back on the ventilator to help him maintain his oxygen. Around lunch time, Zach went into septic shock again. His blood pressure dropped dangerously low and he was put back on blood pressure support medications. The doctor and nurse told us at that time that Zach may not survive. They moved Zach into the more intensive area of the Medical ICU.

The doctor explained that Zach has another bad infection (on top of his current infections) and that they aren’t sure what the infection is. They said that since Zach is already so sick, that this additional infection overwhelmed his weakened system and he may pass away. They started him on more antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals to provide coverage for any possible infection source. They also gave Zach lots of fluids to help get him out of shock. At the time of writing this, Zach is still in critical condition, sedated, on the ventilator, and running multiple blood pressure meds. We thank the Lord that Zach’s blood pressure has stabilized while on the medications, and the fear for his life is lessened. Please pray earnestly with us that Zach’s life may be preserved and that he may recover from this serious infection.

“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” (Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV)