By
Allen White
So do not be afraid of them, for there is
nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made
known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in
your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both
soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of
them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very
hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more
than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:26-31
Fear is a powerful weapon. Some fear
losing a job. Others fear failure if they take a risk. Some fear losing a
relationship, because it needs to be improved. Still others fear rejection to
the point of losing who they really are.
On day in a doctor’s waiting room, I
witnessed a man who literally had trouble leaving the office. As he approached
the door, he reacted as if he were about to cross a pool of piranhas or face a
rabid dog. He even let out a little verbal panic.
He found a chair and sat down. A nurse
offered to help him. He promised that if he sat for a minute, he would be okay.
I’m not sure what condition he was
dealing with, but as he sat there by the door griped in fear, I thought, “He’s
not the only one paralyzed over crossing a threshold.” Occasionally, it’s me,
but not in that way.
Looking back over life, we can all
identify times of uncertainty. At the time, we made some pretty risky moves.
Now with 20/20 hindsight, we see some right moves, we see some wrong moves, and
we see some lessons learned.
Jesus clearly identifies the obstacles
and fears that surround following after Him. He has a mission for all of His
disciples. That mission comes with an emotional price, and possibly a physical
price as well. But, Jesus’ instructions are “do not be afraid.”
We don’t need to fear the secret
schemes of others. We don’t need to wrestle with them in the muck. Whatever is
being said and done behind our backs will be shouted from the rooftops. How do
we know? Jesus said it.
We don’t even need to fear those who
will do physical harm. That doesn’t give license for unnecessary risk. But, if
God is watching over every little bird in creation, He is certainly watching
over us.
When it comes to being afraid, it’s
better to respect God who has control over both body and soul rather than those
who can merely harm the body. That seems extreme. But, the concept goes a long
way. Don’t worry about the opinions of people who barely know you. Honor the
opinion of God who knows everything about you and loves you incredibly.
Who or what do you fear the most? What
are you afraid to lose? An opportunity, a business, your reputation, a
relationship? What are you allowing to be more powerful in your life than God?
As you honor God by making him the “E.F. Hutton” in your life, He will put your
fears in their place.
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