Good Day!

Having received this message from a brother in Zimbabwe, I wish to follow up on this important topic of fear.   He wrote: Thank you sooo much for the message, I really needed someone to remind me on what the scripture says about fear. Lately, I have been overwhelmed by fear in my life. As a result I stopped going to church and praying was becoming difficult for me. My spirit has been willing but the flesh has been to weak even to kneel yet open the bible but then I remembered you and I opened the email, however it happened only God knows, u are talking about fear. Your words have given me strength and I believe God led me to you. Please pray for me that the spirit of fear leave my life. Fear is a bad thing, it destroys. Thank you. God Bless u.

Acts 23.11-35: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/index.php?search=Acts%2023.11-35&version=31&interface=print  Summary of our passage ~ Paul was lying on the stone floor of prison, exhausted, battered, discouraged, and wondering just how long he would be alive, doubtful he would ever make it to his desired destination--Rome.  Jesus came to him and spoke words of courage to him; however, the next morning, a determined group of 40 Jews devised a plot to kill him.  Paul got word of their plan, and was able to make the commander aware of it.  The commander arranged for Paul to be transferred to Caesarea under a huge Roman guard contingent, where Paul was held under guard in Herod's palace.  (if you click on the above link, you can read the whole passage--or better yet, read it from your Bible!)

This is an amazing scene where Jesus appears to a dejected Paul.  His greeting goes right to the point, and right to the heart of Paul. "Take courage...do not be afraid."  Jesus lets Paul know that this would not be the end of the road for him; he would go on to represent Jesus Christ in Rome.  Imagine the validation Paul must have felt--'as you have testified in Jerusalem, so in Rome. . .' The Lord was affirming the work of Paul's hands,  (the prayer of Psalm 90.17 - ..."establish the work of our hands, Lord.")  In a single sentence, Paul gets an 'atta boy' and a 'keep on doin' what you're doin' from Jesus.  It is the believer's prayer to one day hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," so in one sense, Paul is getting a preview.  

Take courage ~  words meant to encourage, inspire and embolden--often coupled with, do not be afraid.  Over and over, throughout the Old Testament, God told his children not to be afraid.  Why?  Because he was with them.  David wrote, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  Why?  "For you are with me."  God's presence assures and comforts us--we have no need to fear.  FEAR and GOD'S LOVE are mutually exclusive

When Jesus came, God's mercy was meted out to mankind, enabling us to be have a relationship of mutual love.  Hence, "Perfect love casts out fear," 1 John 4.18.  Perfect love comes only through God.  

                        [FEAR]<------------------------------->[GOD'S LOVE]

While those who walked with Jesus felt safe/without fear in his presence, when they were apart from him, when he was not in sight, they were unsure of themselves.  Once the Holy Spirit was given to believers--the "Comforter" as Jesus called him, believers are not alone.  He promised us, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Why, then, should we fear when he is with us?  We shouldn't, of course, but because we do not look across our table, and into His eyes, because we don't turn our heads to the right as we are driving, and look at Jesus in our passenger seat--well, it is easy to forget that he is with us.  "Take courage," yes, take a hold of it, be courageous, for you are not alone; the Lord your God is with you, and he is mighty to save, and what's more, his heart is so tender toward you, he wants you not to live in fear.

Some arrows for your quiver:

>Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear.  Luke 12.7

>'Thus says the Lord, "Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard. 2 Kings 19.6

>But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."  Matthew 14.27

>And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent."  Acts 18.9

>But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well."   At once the woman was made well.  Matthew 9.22

>These things I have spoken to you; so that in me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  John 16.33

What a tender Father we have, who wants us to fully trust in him and his love for us.  Resting there, we need not fear. 

TAKE COURAGE . . . your Father loves you.

Christine