Perspectives

Deuteronomy 20:2-4… 2) When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3) He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4) For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (NIV)

When fear troubles our heart and soul, we know no other solution than to get on our knees and pray. When you and I become frustrated and troubled we must learn to do what the Bible teaches; take time to pray, letting the Holy Spirit bring peace and quietness to our troubled heart. It is no use pretending or acting as though all is spiritually healthy when our heart nudges us to change course. We just cannot bring that gentle quietness to our own soul; it just will not work. That means, I must stop whatever scheme or plan I have going in my mind and let the power of the Holy Spirit bring lasting, calming relief rather than rely on earthly devises that bring only short term relief.

As Christians, we must learn not to fear all the twists and turns of this life, that troubles us the wrong way. Rather, we should learn to continue with our original motive and advance our ministry. We should presume that there will be some who would hinder our work, whether in the church or some previous place of ministry. On the other hand, there will be others who believe in what we are doing. Perhaps we might say that the fear of letting others down and failing in our mission would not be the best testimony for us. Fear is one luxury few of us can really afford.

Christians have the ability and power to cope with life’s problems, the power to stand up in the face of the most soul-searing sorrows and monumental disappointments that we face daily. When we are tested, an amazing thing happens because we learn to put God first in our lives. Through testing, we are given the ability to understand the spiritual needs of other people.

We are called to love the lost and hurting so much that we will not get lost in the echo chamber of this world, nor allow our heart to turn a cold shoulder to those who have never ask Christ to come into their life… That requires a certain measure of self-discipline. It means taking control of our emotions and not allowing fear and panic to ruin our ministry. Strive to give it our very best in everything we do. In every situation give our best and leave the rest to God. After all, we believe that it is Christ alone who can keep us from being swept away, leaving the work to others.

Fear is dreadful. To fear others or some looming event in the future is something we do not enjoy. We can speak of how awful it is for people to live in fear, but until we experience the same kind of fear ourselves we really cannot talk to others, pretending to know what they are suffering. Never-the-less… we can sympathize with them.  However, the fear of God… a reverential fear…  is the very beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction (NIV). If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the Son of God, and accept God’s only Son into our heart, then we become God’s children. This is the foundation of wisdom. In this wisdom we no longer need to fear our future, and we need no longer fear God as a future judge because His perfect love drives out all fear (1 John 4:18).

That perfect love eliminates all fear of God’s judgment. Instead, we will hear His gentle voice in our heart, soft as an evening breeze, to assure us that each fault, each sin, has been forgiven… to be remembered no more. The Holy Spirit will calm each fear, turn our attention to a higher calling; so that we might enjoy every victory won and think thoughts of holiness that come right from the heart of God. Inspiration from the Holy Spirit is the privilege of serving God fearlessly, free from fear of failure and others. In Christ, we are made holy and acceptable; ready to stand in His presence on the Day of Judgment, ready to serve Christ… To God be the glory great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me …”Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.