Monday, November 18, 2013

NO FEAR!

What makes you afraid? Today’s politics? A bad relationship? Getting sick? Death? Public speaking? Maybe it's bugs. I once saw a T-Shirt that said, “The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself – And Spiders!”  Sunday marks the end of another Church Year. Sometimes we get fearful when things end, but the end is when we must trust God the most. 

Why trust God then? Because He is our fortress. He is our strength, and He is always there to help us, in our our sickness, troubles and pain, even in death itself. If God can protect us from sin, death and even from hell, how much more will He not care for us now, today? 

God is our fortress, so we need have no fear. That's what David said in Psalm 46, “God is our refuge (fortress) and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” God is with us, therefore, NO FEAR!

Did you know there is a “NO FEAR” brand of clothing? It was created in 1989 by the Simo brothers and Marty Moates. “NO FEAR” is a line of clothing and accessories inspired from extreme action sports, and it even offers a “NO FEAR” energy drink made by PepsiCola. "NO FEAR" has sponsored Martial Arts matches, Motocross Racing, Big Wave surfing in Hawaii and that incredibly dangerous sport, "Cage Fighting." On February 25, 2011, they filed for bankruptcy. They're still around, but it appears they've calmed down a little.

Much of what we fear today comes from our own making. We fear not having enough money, or we fear for our healthcare, or we fear harm from our enemies, even though we have more money, better healthcare and are safer than at any time in human history. Whatever we may fear, God is with us to calm our hearts, so we need not be afraid. God never leaves us. 

A doctor was making a house call on a sick man. He gave him medicine and special instructions because his illness was severe. As the Doctor was leaving, the man asked, “I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.” The doctor paused and said, “I don’t know.” “You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" the patient asked. "How can that be?” 

The doctor was holding the door handle when they both heard scratching and whining from the other side. As he opened the door, a dog leaped into the room to the doctor. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “This is my dog. He’s usually at home, and has never been in this room before today. He didn’t know what was inside, but he knew I was here. So when the door opened, he ran in without fear. This is how it is with me. I know little of what is on the other side of this life, but I do know one thing: my Master is there and I want to go to Him, and for me, that knowledge is enough.”

As one important thing ends or another begins, let us not be fearful. God is with us always. He is on both sides of the door of life, there to provide our needs, show us the way and care for us.

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