Don’t be afraid

I’ve been scared.
Scared when someone close to me was seriously ill, anxious when the business I was responsible for was failing badly, and worried sick when I stood in front of a large group of people to address them.

It’s all very well saying “don’t be afraid”, but what if we ARE afraid? We know “there’s no point in worrying” but this simple logic, doesn’t help. Take a 5 minute break, remind yourself HOW to “not be afraid”

It’s easy to think we have a “special deal” with God so that terrible things won’t happen to us. If you pray, read the word, and help those in need disasters shouldn’t happen – right? But there is no deal like that. Last time I looked there were as many Christians dying of cancer as non-Christians. Last time I looked He was ….” causing the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sending rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45).

But there is a deal that God will walk with us through everything the world can throw at us. He will accompany us, He will bring us through it, and he has been there before us.

Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

If you enjoyed this track, try reading the story of The Boulder

Sermon illustration of father and daughter by Brian Buehler of Pacific Community Church