As my family and I reached the two-year mark of our stay in the USA, we began working on our VISA renewal. We were excited to move forward with the case. But as we started looking at it, my immigration attorney sent me an email stating that we had hit a bump along the way. Without going into too many details, let me just say that the bump could have jeopardized the VISA renewal and affected our future.
As I thought of the email, my mind began racing through all the “what if” scenarios. What if we don’t get the VISA renewal. What if we have to move? Where would we go? What about the kids and their friends? What will I be doing? What about Fabi? And so on. I began feeling the tension of anxiety. A dark cloud of worry, fear and doubt started hovering over my head. But in God’s loving-kindness, wisdom and grace, He gave me a way out of the temptation before it led to sin and devastation (Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2-8).
Wait a Second
I began thinking, “Wait a second. I know better than going down this route. I know Matthew 6, where Jesus tells me not to worry because my Father in heaven knows what I need. I know 1 Peter 5:7, where I’m told to cast all my anxieties on God, because he cares for me. I know Phil 4:6, where I’m encouraged not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to God. And I know God is sovereign and everything happens in the world down to the smallest detail is according to His plan and purpose for His glory and my good (Psalm 115:3; Rom 8:28). I know He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. So why worry?”
The Peace of God
It’s not possible to describe the peace of mind my heavenly Father gave me as I pondered on these biblical truths. I began pouring out my heart to God and genuinely thanking Him for my circumstances and His control of them. From that moment, I began experiencing the reality of Philippians 4:6-7:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Humanly speaking, I had all the reasons to worry, to be fearful and anxious—Nothing less than my family’s future was at stake. But God gave me a peace of mind that guarded me against all worries. It was a supernatural peace. It was a peace that went beyond my human logic, intellect or understanding. It was a comforting peace that completely closed and bolted the lid to the dark pit of fear and despair. It was complete trust in God.
Considering all I know to be true about God and my circumstances in His sovereign care, I found myself thankful with an unwavering confidence that He was able and willing to do what is best for us in our situation (Rom 8:28).
In the situation, I remembered Jerry Bridges’ words from his helpful booklet You Can Trust God:
God, in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom, He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty, He has the power to bring it about.
You Can Always Trust God
My friend, there is hope in Christ and God’s loving care! Don’t let the weight of fear and despair pull you down into a dark, depressing and fearful place. Let the promises of God and the glorious truth about Him penetrate and occupy your mind, comfort you and bring you from the valley of despair to the mountain peaks of hope. God is sovereign and controls everything that happens down to the smallest detail. He is faithful and His love never fails. Be confident that you can cast all your anxieties on him because He cares for you (1 Pet 5:7).
Ps. God is so good! We received the VISA renewal a week ago of this writing. We are so thankful to God and grateful for the way He has brought us closer to Him throughout this process.
Very beautiful brother. This is something we can relate to in our lives. Well written!