Fear Not

Reflecting on my childhood, the wise words of Yoda, the Jedi master, came to mind – “There is much fear in this one.” I feared bees, thunder, roller coasters, sometimes the dark, open closet doors, and being late for school (none of my boys got that one). But, like most children, I grew out of these fears to only gain a new set of worries as an adult. However, as Christ-followers, we understand this truth – God is with us, not to fear. Let’s be honest, though – in moments of fear, we can falter in the trust we should have in God.
 
When the Midianites oppressed God’s people (Judges 6), the angel of the Lord spoke to a man named Gideon, who was hiding from the Midianites out of fear. However, the angel of the Lord told Gideon, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). You read this, and you wonder – uh, what? Gideon would further question if God was even with the Israelites this whole time of suffering and where all His beautiful deeds were (v.13). This statement is where we, as Christians, can sometimes falter. It is not necessarily the question of why but the lack of memory recall of the many times God has been there for us. So, the next time you have moments of fear or anxiousness– pray to God and offer thanks for the good He has done in your life (Philippians 4:6-7). Trust God is with you – and fear not.

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