"Shot-putting" anxiety

My shot-putting analogy for "casting" (1 Pet. 5:7) has provoked feedback! I discovered, yes, there were shot-putters in the congregation, (and I learned of my poor technique!) Others reflected how the effort, dynamics and discipline involved in throwing 13.2 lbs, relates to intentional prayer. And, best of all, were testimonies of recent throwing/casting, with fresh discoveries of how much God does care.

This afternoon I add a personal one. We had to visit a cancer clinic to hear the results of Carol's skin cancer surgery a few days ago. We have been throwing understandable (legitimate?) anxiety upon God for many days. His peace (with some undercurrents) has been a wonderful gift, as has the prayer support of many friends. Today we say: Alleluia! The answer is - all the cancer is removed!

Let's keep encouraging each other.

Blogging God's Promises (10)

As I blog, people's stories keep impacting me. Oh, the power of personal story! Often striking me with such raw honesty, specific experience, and (especially) spiritual insight. That's so with an email I received in November 2007. It began: "Here's my problem. I suffer from stress and anxiety...." Out tumbled one man's story of trying to cope with financial demands, family concerns, and health worries. The dictionary defines anxiety as "a state of apprehension and uncertainty" but this man lives it. Not only does he speak eloquently for the great majority of us, but his question about God's promises really hit hard too. He said that he really wanted God's promises of peace to work for him, and yet so often he was left as anxious as ever. Was this his fault?

What a powerful way into the subject of stress and anxiety! I plan to begin with this email on Sunday. From this real, local, life-story we see the problem writ large, and face a key spiritual question, on our way to seize the promise: Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Thank you for all your stories - I believe they help me to preach better! Please keep sharing them.