02/08/2022
We are chosen, and then sent to teach all nations how to observe the commands of Christ. At first blush this can seem challenging, dangerous, and even frightening, but if we fix our minds on the fact that Jesus is with us always, then what can possibly harm, or defeat us? With Christ abiding within us there should be nothing, not even death, that can strike fear into our hearts. If we understand this, then why do so many of us quake, and find ourselves to be afraid when we are faced with delivering the gospel message?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
We are fearful because our faith in what we have been taught in God’s Word, and in who Jesus really is, has not matured fully as it should have. When fear stands between us and doing what Jesus tells us to do, then it is time to do what the disciples did when their boat was caught up in the storm… we need to awaken Jesus.
“And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?””
Matthew 8:25-27 ESV
But how do we actually behave when we are personally faced with hardship or fear? Do we wake Jesus up within us, or are we paralyzed by our fear? Do we run away and Hide? Perhaps we convince ourselves that the Lord was speaking to someone else, and not to us. It is so easy to lose sight of our faith if we have not trained ourselves to instinctively use it. We are told to confess that Jesus is Lord and we will be saved, and we should repeat this to ourselves over and over again until it becomes our nature to call on Him without forethought, especially in times of trouble.
“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 ESV
God tells us in Psalm 50 to do the same thing, so this is not new information. He tells us to call upon Him in our day of trouble; let’s listen to his Word for us…
“and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.””
Psalm 50:15 ESV
So if we believe, and have faith in God, and Jesus Christ, then we should be able to courageously face anything that the world, can throw at us. We should know that there is nothing that can be done to us in this world that will be of any consequence, because only spiritual death, such as our loss of faith brings, that can harm us.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:28 ESV
So, let’s practice leaning on our faith, but when we become afraid, let’s awaken Jesus within ourselves instinctively until calling on Him becomes automatic, even when facing the smallest of troubles. If our faith is mature enough we will not fear anything as we do the will of God, or what Jesus commands us, but if we should find that we are confronted by fear, we should awaken Jesus, and God, within us without hesitation.
“He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”
Matthew 14:29-32 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being with us always, and giving us, by our faith, the courage we need to face all hardships and fears as we do your will, and obey the commands of Jesus. Help us to deliver the gospel without fail so that not one soul will be lost. But, if our fear defeats us then send us back to confront it time and time again until your Word and the gospel have been successfully delivered, and our faith sufficiently strengthened. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is with us always, and gives our faith its increase in Jesus. Praised be your name for allowing us to call upon you in our times of troubles, and for glorifying you as we do. Merciful are you who strengthens our faith, and will not allow us to languish in our fear. Wash away our sins in the blood of Christ, and transform us into His image. Pronounce us worthy as He is worthy, and seat us at your table forevermore. Let your joy have replaced the hopelessness of fear, and our courage have defeated every doubt.
Rich Forbes