Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

My brother-in-law, when he was young, had a favorite blanket. It was like a security blanket that he carried with him all the time; if he didn’t have the blanket, he had a stuffed character. Have you ever had a blanket or something else that you were particularly attached to? How about your children? Did they ever have an attachment to a blanket or stuffed animal?

One time, the blanket or animal, I forget which, was left in the hotel room, and his parents had to go back to the room and find what was left behind. It took a while, but it was found and all was right in the world again. He has since grown out of it, obviously, but we all seem to hold on to things out of fear of losing them or out of fear of change.

This incident reminds me of a Christmas show that involved a young boy who would never leave his trusty blanket. He always carried the blanket with him everywhere. When asked to be a shepherd in the Christmas pageant, he was told he had to get rid of the blanket, but instead of getting rid of it, he made a head covering out of it. If you have not figured it out, I am referring to Linus from the Charlie Brown’s Christmas animation. There is a scene when Linus begins to quote the scripture of the birth of Christ from the Book of Matthew, and he drops the blanket. This blanket that he cherishes and feels safe holding, despite the threats from Lucy, he drops it as he recites the scripture. The words of God bring strength, courage, and peace, which take away all fear.

Uncertainty and fear can be controlling and keep you from the true joy that is waiting for you. It can keep you from the freedom that you did not realize you were missing because you did not want to let go of what you felt was comfort and safe. True comfort and security come from the Lord.

An abused woman does not want to leave her man because she would have to start all over, and that frightens her. A man does not want to leave a job that he is not happy with because it would mean starting over again. A family chooses to stay in a house or city that they are comfortable in because they are afraid to move or start over. In all three of these scenarios, the people allowed uncertainty and fear to control their actions instead of letting go of the security blanket or stuffed character, and simply trusting God to go before them and with them. God wants to better the lives of His children; we just have to let Him, through trust.

Isaiah writes the words from God, “Do not fear, for I am with you…I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10). We find wisdom in Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The prophet Jeremiah wrote in his letter to the exiles the words from God, “For I know the plans I have for you….plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Take courage, my brothers and sisters, for God is righteous and there is no need to fear tomorrow, for if God provides for a little sparrow, He certainly will provide for His children. Let go of what is holding you back and, with a step of faith, move forward, for God has you in the palm of His hand.

My brother-in-law learned to let go of the blanket and stuffed character. It took a lot of trust for him to let go and move forward, but he did. He is now a doctor and serving others as God saw fit for him. God had a plan for him, and God has a plan for you; you just have to let go of the old, secure things and trust God with the new journey of your life.

Last week, the little lambs finished the lesson on Paul and his letters. This week, however, we are going to be reading from the Book of Ephesians, one of Paul’s letters, as we study the Armor of God and how to use it.

I look forward to worshiping the Lord our God with you through songs of praise and dancing before the Lord who loves us and will not forsake us. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you tomorrow, may the Lord bless you with joy, peace, and may the Holy Spirit bring you comfort, direction, wisdom, and healing when you need it.

God bless you all,

Your brother in Christ

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)