Faith and Fear

“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. JOHN 14:1 AMP

When you hear words such as the ones at the start of today's extract, you know that fear is a valid emotion. Jesus had just told his disciples about the coming passion, his betrayal, death and life, and that even those he has nurtured for more than 3 years would betray him. You wouldn't hear that from a man you have followed closely, watched him do wonders, endured insults from family and friends, and not wonder what would become of you when the man in question is no more with you.

Just as he told his disciples then, he tells us also now: do not let your hearts be troubled. The basis of that confidence lies in that same verse: the one who deals with fear is the one who is speaking. He is the One who calls out substance from nothing, and he is able to sustain whatever he has ordained. If he says go and you go at his command, the results he wants are guaranteed. As long as I depend on him totally, holding on to Him alone, relying on his Word and Presence, then I have no reason to fear.

Oh yes, storms will rise, winds will blow, rains will fall. Substance and depth are tested by adversity. Only the man who has found anchor in God alone is  the one who can smile through the storms. Are you one? Do you believe in God? Does God know you as his own? His time of favour is here.