What Have We to Fear?
Rom 8:28-31 NLT - [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory. [31] What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
We live in a world driven by fear. Billions of dollars are made each year in newspapers, television, games, and politics by playing on people's fears. Humans are, by our very nature, prone to fear what we do not know or cannot control. But we know that we as Christians are called to be dead to our earthly nature(Galatians 2.20). Fear causes worry, and yet Christ commands us to not worry: "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today" (Matt. 6.24). I have seen fear destroy the lives of many people. There are many who are afraid to walk out of their homes for fear of dying.
As Christians, we must learn not to fear. Why? Because "we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Consider this--everything in our lives is woven into God's plan to do good to us. This is a powerful, defiant, and revolutionary way of thinking, especially for the first Century Roman world. The Greeks and Romans believed their lives were ruled by the Fates, who brought both good and bad destinies. Here we see Paul proclaiming something completely different: ALL things work out for the good of God's children. The Scripture goes further to explain that God works this out because He "knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son." God had our lives worked out even before we were born. Don't you think He can save us from any situation we encounter?
Perhaps Paul's most powerful statement in these few short verses is this: "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" I enjoy the New Living Translation's translation because it adds the qualifying adverb "ever." Who can ever be against us? In all of our lives, what can we face that says, "Fear is greater than your God?" Nothing; not even Satan himself. As you go through your day, remember that. Remember to not allow fear to get a grip on you. In these times, remember Christ. Remember that He is holding you close, regardless of your circumstances. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Austin Aldrich
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There is no fear in Love. Fear is just the opposite of love. Therefore, if God is Love, I have nothing to fear.
ReplyDelete"So do not fear prison. Look upon it as just a new assignment given by God." Richard Wurmbrand
If I had fear, I would not be where I am today. There is no fear in Love. It is impossible to feel fear if the heart is full with the Love of Christ. His Love is too deep to have room for fears.
ReplyDeleteCourage starts with overcoming fears. Courage is a manifestation of Love being aware that you have to suffer first and win only in the end. Jesus died on in the agony of suffering on the cross first. But, He rose to life in the end. And He prepared a place in His Paradise for those whom He died for. There is no greater love and no greater passion then this.