Two large checked suitcases.  Two carry-on suitcases.  One backpack.  One over-the-shoulder bag and a purse.

That’s what it took to take all of our necessary items on our two-week vacation.  Well maybe not ALLLLLLL of it was our NECESSARY items but our necessary items plus our JUST-IN-CASE items.

Okay, I will be honest…I think we could have survived comfortably with one large checked bag, one carry-on, a backpack and purse.

Are you an over-packer?  I thought I was doing well.  I even told myself I was only taking what I needed.  But I came home with probably 4 extra outfits and I know I had 4 pairs of shoes I didn’t wear.  And jewelry.  Don’t even get me started.

What was I thinking?  I started evaluating the situation and realized that I live my life in the “Just In Case” mode.  What if this pair of shoes didn’t look right with this outfit?  Maybe I should take an extra pair of black shoes just in case.  What if I decide I don’t want to wear yellow jewelry with the gray outfit but rather silver jewelry?  I guess I better take both just in case.

What if I am on the 7-hour plane ride and finish one book.  I probably had better carry on two books just in case.  What if  my computers or phone can’t pull up my emails?  I better take my  iPad just in case.  And heaven forbid I should get hungry on the plane that doesn’t have anything outside of peanuts and crackers!  I should take food and lots of it, just in case.

I realize that this mentality is really fear.  Fear of things not being perfect.  Fear of the fact I may have to suffer a little bit.  My goodness, how would I survive if one pair of black shoes didn’t look right with my outfit!!

There is a song by Zach Williams titled “Fear is a Liar”.  And it’s true.  Fear is of the devil and he is a liar.  Faith is of Christ and He is truth.

Jesus Christ is not here just in case we need Him.  He should be the first thing we pack in our heart and use daily.  Not just in case we can’t do it on our own.

If you live in the “just In Case” lifestyle, I encourage you to join me in starting to dig in to the Word more and find out how to overcome this liar of fear and to look to the only One who can help us. No more JIC living,  Only JC (Jesus Christ)!