[370 words]
Fear–a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. One of the things that causes many in the world today to fear is the “What if…” What if our worst fear were to come true? What if I lose everything? What if my friends leave me? What if my parents divorce? What if I lose the game? What if…. What if…. What if…
I saw a saying today: F.E.A.R. has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run, OR Face Everything And Rise. The choice is ours.
We face many storms throughout our lives. These storms can cause a multitude of emotions in our lives. Loss of control, fear, beat down, desperation, and hopelessness are a few of those emotions. When we are faced with these different storms in our lives, fear is an option. We can be afraid and we can react to our fear by forgetting everything and running. But in order to combat fear we need realize that God will be there with us through all our fears. We must have courage to trust in the Lord.
Paul, in Acts 27, is a prisoner being transported to Rome by ship. He warns the centurion about not sailing. But Paul’s advice not to sail is ignored (v.10-11). Soon after putting out to sea, the ship encounters a major storm. The crew of the ship lost control, became fearful, beaten down by the storm, desperate, and finally hopeless (v. 15-20). But Paul has the courage and faith to stand before the crew and tell the crew what an angel from God has told him.
Acts 27: 24-25 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God as granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.
God will use storms in our lives to strengthen us. We must continue to put our faith in Him. We must focus our attention on our faith and not our fears.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you where ever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Nick Pace
S. Green St. church of Christ
Glasgow, KY