Are you afraid of something or somebody? People are afraid of death, of darkness, of heights, of flying in a plane, of failing an examination, of loosing their jobs, of animals, of their employers, of being alone and so on.
In Genesis 3:10 Adam became afraid when he heard the sound of the Lord God in the garden because he knew he was naked. He knew he has sinned against God when he disobeyed Him by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He was trying to hide from God after he has sinned. We are afraid whenever we sin because we do not want anyone to know of our weakness and our wrong doings.
Moses was afraid when he became aware there are people who knew that he has killed the Egyptian. (Exodus 2:14). Do you hear the still small voice of God telling you to do something but you are afraid to do it. Do you know why you are afraid? What do you see? Who do you fear? Man or God.
I remembered an incident when my son, Matthias, shared with the family how he had a dream where he saw a thief stealing from the family and how he was chasing him and he became afraid. Then a voice spoke to him “Do not be afraid for I am with you” and that’s when he awoke with peace in his heart.
We become afraid when the presence of God is not with us. You will find many scripture verses where God says “Do not be afraid for I am with you”. Jeremiah was afraid of not being able to take up his calling of a prophet because of his young age. Who would listen to Jeremiah? But God told him “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD” (Read Jeremiah 1).
Dearly beloved many of us know that God’s way and His thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. What does it really mean to you? May I suggest that whatever we have planned and strategised is not what it is. God will engineer and allow things to happen beyond our understanding and expectations so that no one can rob Him of His glory and power.
The Great Commission in Matt 28:19-20 ends with God’s promise that he will always be with you to the end of age. God’s presence will keep us from being afraid. Is God’s presence with you?
When the disciples were with Jesus in a boat they met with a storm and Jesus was sleeping. The wave was so strong that the water was coming into the boat and they became afraid of drowning and losing their lives. The disciples called upon Jesus and He said to them: “You of little faith, why are you so afraid” What do you see when you are afraid? Where do you rest your faith in? Later Jesus calms the storm as nature bids His command.
We become afraid when we look at only our circumstances instead of seeing Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Do not lose sight of our Lord Jesus Christ in every circumstance, claim upon His promises and become bold and courageous.
When Jairus’s daughter was very sick, he reached out to Jesus by faith to heal her daughter. When those around Jairus told him not to bother Jesus anymore because her daughter is dead, Jesus told Jairus “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” (Mk 5:23-43) Is this what you need to hear from our Lord Jesus Christ today?
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather be afraid (fear) of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt 10:28).
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid … though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (Psa 56:3-4).
Brother Chua Eng Bee, David
