Fear does crazy things to us. It changes how we look at the world around us. It’s like we develop tunnel vision. We only see two things: the thing we fear and a means of escape. We lose sight of our strengths. We forget that we have a reason to not be afraid. It’s time to remove the blinders that cause our tunnel vision. Remembering why we don’t have to be afraid helps us when we face our next fearful encounter. As Christians, what should we remember no matter what crisis we find ourselves in?

1. We serve the God of Heaven and of Earth and not some small power in the universe. God is not just the God of America or Christians. He is the Almighty, the maker of Heaven and Earth! No problem is too big for Him. (Jeremiah 32:17)
2. God sees His children as family and not simply as servants. His commitment to us is absolute. He gives us His attention, His power, His love, and His abiding presence. We aren’t God’s doorstops. We are His precious ones. (John 15:14-17; Jeremiah 31:3)
3. This life is no where near the sum of our existence. Eternity beckons every believer. Our bodies will be better. Our lives will be better. AND – It lasts much longer that this life. A million years in the new Heaven and Earth will be but a drop in the bucket. How long do we live here? (John 14:6)
4. Unlike lesser purposes like occupations, the purpose of a child of God can never be taken away by age, disability, circumstances, or economics. The life of a child of God is to shine for Jesus. None of the things that might take away our job or our bank account can stop us from shining for Jesus. Thus, our lives will always have purpose! (Acts 1:8)

Consider this specific word…

Philippians 1:21-22 ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²  But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.

If you have ever wondered: These truths are why the Apostle Paul declares with absolute confidence that both living and dying were equally attractive options for him. He doesn’t wish for death because life is so hard. He doesn’t cling to life because death is so scary. He is completely at peace with either choice because he has nothing to truly fear from either situation. Life means he can shine for Jesus. Death means he gets to be with Jesus. He can’t lose! When we remember these truths, we get the same confidence. Fear predictably loses its hold on us as we remind ourselves of the reason for our confidence. It’s hard to scare someone who has properly prepared for what they are facing. We prepare by remembering and trusting the promises of God in Christ.

Something to think about,

Pastor John