Fear Part II – And God?

Because we live in a broken world, there’s no lack of fear to go around:

  • Fear of getting laid off
  • Fear of the burden of debt
  • Fear of sickness
  • Fear of crime
  • Fear of losing a spouse
  • Fear of failing a class or disappointing someone
  • Fear of losing your home
  • Fear of changes in your way of life due to political policy changes
  • Fear of terrorism
  • Fear of what others think of you
  • Fear of losing status

But what about God? How does he factor in these fears?

Facing tough circumstances in her life, writer, Beth Moore, took her concern (fear) to God. Here’s how the exchange went:

God challenged her by asking her what she would do if her worst fear came to pass.fear 2, innercomm.net

She responded that she’d probably be very distraught, depressed and mad.

Then God asked, “Ok, what would you do next”.

She responded by saying she’d have a hard time adjusting, she’d have to start over and that she’d have a hard time dealing with life for a while.

Then God asked, “Ok, what would you do next”.

This went back and forth until she concluded that in the end God would give her the strength to get through the tough situation. For her, the worst possible outcome wasn’t all that bad…because she had hope. If you know there’s a net under you, it’s not as bad when you fall off the high-wire.

However, some people put all their hope and dreams, their value and their self-identity, in things, in other people and in status….when those things are taken away, the results can be devastating and paralyzing.

A friend of mine wants to continue his quest to be in full-time ministry. However, he has no regular income, his wife just got laid off and she’s four months pregnant. Seems pretty bleak. Facing the same kind of fears as Beth Moore, my friend’s wife said to her husband, “What’s the worst that can happen…go bankrupt, sell our house, move in with friends?”

What if you lost it all?

Do you believe God can restore all things or make provision for you?

The Bible says:

  • “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
  • “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:31
  • “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”Jeremiah 29:11
  • “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:7

If we believe the Word of God, and his promises toward us, we should have a deep hope that is strong and powerful in the face of ugly odds. Life can be sad and depressing at times and bad things will certainly come our way, like losing a loved one. But even so, during times of justified fear and terror at losing our most treasured belongings and relationships, if we are bound in the love of Christ, we can experience peace and deep hope.

I John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…”. How does God’s love cast out fear? The Greek word for “casts” is ballo. Ballo basically means a “deliberate violent, intense thrusting or throwing”. It doesn’t say God’s love “gently nudges fear aside” or “moves fear slightly to the left” or “covers it up some”….it says “casts out“. That should make your heart skip. There is no fear in the loving arms of Jesus.

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