Just Breathe

Summer Day 30

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” ~ Job 33:4

Just Breathe

Recently, I traveled on an airplane with my two daughters. The gate agent called our zone, and we boarded the plane. We found our row of seats, settled in for our flight, and put headphones on as the plane took off. It was the beginning of a very routine day of air travel, mundane even. But what happened next was anything but mundane.

I had a severe asthma attack on the plane. I could not breathe. As I gasped for breath, desperately looking for my rescue inhaler, I knew I was slowly losing control of the situation. Two things made this situation hopeless: my rescue inhaler was on the bathroom countertop at my home, and everyone around me was whispering about me. At least my girls were blissfully unaware, watching Zootopia on their iPads while I was convinced I was going to die on that airplane. I thought to myself: Is this it Jesus? Is this where it all ends? On an airplane surrounded by strangers?

After 10 minutes (it felt like a lifetime), I finally got my breathing under control. Tears streamed down my face, and I hoped people were no longer staring at me. I sat in my seat and prayed to God, thanking Him for helping me in my time of need.

Dear sisters, I learned a powerful lesson on that airplane. No matter what I think, I am never in control. I often believe the hype the media sells us: that I am in complete control of my life and destiny. This is a bold-face lie from Satan himself. God is always in control. Matthew 8:23-27 reinforces the sovereignty of God and His ability to maintain control. The disciples allowed fear to rule instead of faith. I urge you to walk in faith with God and allow Him to actively have control in your life.

I don’t know what you are currently facing right now. Maybe you are dealing with a particularly difficult child, a scary medical diagnosis, or your husband turning away from you emotionally or physically. It is my hope to encourage you today that, even if your life feels completely out of control, God sees you for who you are and loves you. He is in complete control of your life.

No matter what you face in your life, you can take comfort in the fact that God is in control.

For further study, read the following verses:

•Deuteronomy 10:14

•Job 42:2, Revelation 21:6

•Psalm 103:19

•Isaiah 45:6-7

•Zephaniah 3:17

Go Deeper:

  • What area of your life do you tend to control or micromanage? How does it make you feel and the people in your life feel? I challenge you to let go of control for one week in an area you identified. Give it over to God and fully trust in Him to fulfill/meet your expectations. Journal and pray every day to help ease your anxiety and emotions.

What’s Next?

Let’s make a choice together. Let’s choose God first, sisters. Together, we can make a deliberate choice to recognize the sovereignty of God in our homes, marriages, and lives. I would love to hear about the miracles that happen in your life when you choose to put God first. I hope you share on the website or on our Facebook page.

 

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Leslie Leonard
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11 Comments on “Just Breathe”

  1. This was just what I needed because I tend to micromanage most everything. I’m so sorry you had such a scary experience but God is using it. Thank you for the scriptures I’m going to get them written down so I can really focus on giving God everything!

    1. I am so glad this spoke to you, Hannah! I also tend to micromanage my life so letting go is a struggle. I hope you were able to get those scriptures written down.

  2. I absolutely love the slew of verses you provided at the end of the study. What a great way to focus on the Lord’s sovereignty. I prayed those verses as an act of worship and felt Him quiet me with His love.

  3. What an incrdible testimony Leslie, thanks for sharing! Praise Jesus for His goodness, we can completely rest in Him. He is trustworthy…and always watching over us no matter how out of control we feel!

  4. This is such an encouraging Bible study Leslie! It’s so comforting when we truly come to the place where we can trust Jesus with every aspect of our lives. He gives us each breath and is in control of everything. We need not be afraid!

    1. I know! Living a life in fear is no life at all. Life lived in Jesus is a life lived free.
      Thanks Deb.

  5. Wow Leslie, what a touching study! You are such a strong, faithful woman! I will pray and work on this this week–for me to let God be in control and to walk in faith! Thank you!

  6. This is such a touching study. My desire is to put God first this week. I’m praying that I will be able to look to him above any other cares or worries. Thank you for speaking the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to my heart this morning!

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