We live in uncertain times. The world is changing, the ground is shaking and we have no control over the events of our lives. So what's new? Hasn't that always been the case? From the day that Adam and Eve were put out of the Garden of Eden, human life has been dangerous and unpredictable and consequently human beings have always been afraid. Fear of the unknown, fear of the unexpected, fear that binds, fear that enslaves, fear that destroys and immobilises - fear that is always lurking in the shadows of our minds and hearts - fear that steals joy and peace and holds us back from all that God has planned for us.
Satan, the enemy of our souls uses our fear to manipulate and control - if he cannot stop people coming into the glorious redemption and salvation that Christ brings then he will stop their enjoyment of that freedom, steal their joy and consequently their witness to others. Jesus commonly told His disciples not to be afraid and the reason He said this was simple - do not be afraid - for I am with you. It was a repeat of His Father's words to Israel. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; Do not fear or anxiously look about you for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10)I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Jesus said - take courage, it is I, do not be afraid; In this world you will have tribulation but take courage I have overcome the world. Over and over again God speaks to His people and reminds us that we are to keep looking to Him, to keep seeking the things above, to set our minds on Him and to trust, that is to lean our whole weight upon the FACT that He is God Most High, the Sovereign Ruler, the Creator and Sustainer of all things and that nothing, absolutely nothing happens on this planet outside of His Sovereign will.
Yes - bad things happen to good people, yes, things do not always turn out the way we hope, yes, we will be sick, yes, we might lose houses and jobs and incomes - yes, times will be hard and trials varied and sometimes seemingly never ending but through it all His word to us is the same - take courage, I am with you - do not be afraid.
How can we do this? How can we live without fear through days that are so fraught with danger and so uncertain? Only by knowing that He holds us in His arms, that He is protecting us through faith ready for a glorious salvation when Christ returns. Only by knowing that no matter what, He has an inheritance reserved in heaven for me, glorious and undefiled, one that is imperishable and will last for eternity. How can I deal with the fear that binds - only by releasing it into the hands of my Saviour. Only by knowing, deep in my soul that He is there, that He cares and that He will see me through.
Now in these days in which we live - now when all around us people are afraid - not knowing what will happen next, unable to see clearly through all that is going on in our world - now is the time for you and me to proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now is that day for us to declare that I will not fear because my God is with me and He is faithful and will never ever change.
When the enemy brings fear like a flood remember your God and trust in His Word. Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving present you requests to God and the peace of God, that surpasses understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus Phil. 4:6-7.
Satan, the enemy of our souls uses our fear to manipulate and control - if he cannot stop people coming into the glorious redemption and salvation that Christ brings then he will stop their enjoyment of that freedom, steal their joy and consequently their witness to others. Jesus commonly told His disciples not to be afraid and the reason He said this was simple - do not be afraid - for I am with you. It was a repeat of His Father's words to Israel. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; Do not fear or anxiously look about you for I am your God (Isaiah 41:10)I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Jesus said - take courage, it is I, do not be afraid; In this world you will have tribulation but take courage I have overcome the world. Over and over again God speaks to His people and reminds us that we are to keep looking to Him, to keep seeking the things above, to set our minds on Him and to trust, that is to lean our whole weight upon the FACT that He is God Most High, the Sovereign Ruler, the Creator and Sustainer of all things and that nothing, absolutely nothing happens on this planet outside of His Sovereign will.
Yes - bad things happen to good people, yes, things do not always turn out the way we hope, yes, we will be sick, yes, we might lose houses and jobs and incomes - yes, times will be hard and trials varied and sometimes seemingly never ending but through it all His word to us is the same - take courage, I am with you - do not be afraid.
How can we do this? How can we live without fear through days that are so fraught with danger and so uncertain? Only by knowing that He holds us in His arms, that He is protecting us through faith ready for a glorious salvation when Christ returns. Only by knowing that no matter what, He has an inheritance reserved in heaven for me, glorious and undefiled, one that is imperishable and will last for eternity. How can I deal with the fear that binds - only by releasing it into the hands of my Saviour. Only by knowing, deep in my soul that He is there, that He cares and that He will see me through.
Now in these days in which we live - now when all around us people are afraid - not knowing what will happen next, unable to see clearly through all that is going on in our world - now is the time for you and me to proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now is that day for us to declare that I will not fear because my God is with me and He is faithful and will never ever change.
When the enemy brings fear like a flood remember your God and trust in His Word. Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving present you requests to God and the peace of God, that surpasses understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus Phil. 4:6-7.
