“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fear is not made perfect in love” - I John 4:8 (NIV)
Fear can be an overwhelming force that can cripple any of us to do anything meaningful in our lives. Psychologist would note that everyone has a certain degree of fear of something in them. If one doesn’t have any fear in them that is being abnormal.
Even the Lord Jesus had a certain fear before he was crucified. As the hour drew nearer, “he fell to the ground and prayed if possible that the hour might pass from him. Abba, Father, he said, “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will but what you will” (Mark 14-35-36).
But much as fear is inescapable it shouldn’t govern our lives to a point of inaction. Fear sometimes can be brought by the enemy as a spirit of oppression. There can be those around us who are used by the enemy to create fear. This is what happened when Moses sent out scouts to explore the Promised Land they were about to enter. “So they spread this bad report among the Israelites: “The land we travelled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there...” (Numbers 13:32-33). Out of the 12 spies only two- Joshua and Caleb- dared to argue differently.
What distinguishes Joshua and Caleb is that rather than focus on circumstances around them they decided to look up to God. They did not dispute that the people they saw were huge and looked powerful. Rather, other than focusing on the situation they knew there God was far more powerful. “Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:9).
Today we took could too be faced with situations that seem like giants. Worse still the enemy could be circulating stories that magnify the situation as impossible to conquer. Maybe we are close to giving up. Other than being like those Israelites who started “wailing and weeping all night” because of fear let us draw our eyes on the Lord. The Lord will vindicate this faith in Him, as he did with Joshua and Caleb.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the precious name of Jesus that whatever situation I am facing I know you are able and in control!
Related upcoming events
-
29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
