Fear Vs. Faith

I don’t know about you, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to not be afraid at the direction our country – and the world at large – is headed in. Political structures have dissolved into disarray; the family unit designed by God has been pulled apart and left to die; and it is becoming harder to find the truth about anything.

But as easy as it is to respond in fear, that is not my only option; I have the ability to rise above fear and trust in almighty God. Fear is a sinful response, because 1), God tells us 365 times in His Word not to fear, and 2), because He gives us plenty of examples in His Word of His power, His sovereign control, and His perfect timing; then if that wasn’t enough, He showed us at Calvary how much He loves us.

One of my favorite places in the Bible describes the response of three men who gave an incredible answer when they were literally standing in front of the fire, and it’s a response I want to be able to imitate; Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego said, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God who we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even is He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” They had complete assurance of God’s ability to deliver them from their situation, but they also knew that God doesn’t always view deliverance the same way we tend to.

How can you and I have this same faith? By turning our eyes to our Creator and Savior. In time, we will be able to say with confidence that, although we don’t understand His plan, we trust that it is the best one. In the end, His Name will receive the glory, because His mighty work will be obvious when we completely surrender ourselves to Him and allow Him to work through us.