There are times in life when we are faced with the reality that truly we are living in the unknown and are unable to control the circumstances of our lives. Such a time may come with an unfavorable medical diagnosis when the doctor may say he has no answers. It may come during an airplane flight when tremendous turbulence arises.
In my community, in my region, such a time has come to an entire city which is facing unexplained shaking, tremors, explosions, sounds. Apparently, those who normally are able to provide insight and help have no idea what is going on. As I follow this story which started two nights ago, I hear reports of people thinking of evacuating the town, children being kept home from school and family members concerned for the safety of their loved ones.
In the presence of the unknown, we realize that our lives are but a vapor. We face the reality that with as much knowledge as we have, we are still subject to greater forces than we can control. Our sense of stability is erased and our security is eroded. A door opens for fear to walk in.
The Bible teaches us that fear is the opposite of faith. When the disciples became fearful in a storm in their lives, Jesus asked them, where is your faith? “One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”” (Luke 8:22–25, NIV84) God used the storm that was beyond the control of the disciples to demonstrate His love and mercy to them. Faith in God removed the fear and calmed the storm. Where faith lives, fear must flee.
To those who trust God, we know that we can cry out to God. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”” (Romans 8:15, NIV84) We know that when we fear, it is an indication that it is time to seek God. We also know that the love of God has the power to destroy fear. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18, NIV84)
There is one who has the answer needed for the unknown seasons in our lives. He has all wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5–6, NIV84) We can use the fear we feel to propel us to begin to seek and ask God for the wisdom on how to live in the unknown season. If we do not doubt, but believe, God will hear.
In fact, God desires that we seek Him. “”So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”” (Luke 11:9–13, NIV84)
Fearful events will come. “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11, NIV84) The answer in every season of fear is to begin to seek God. His love and compassion for us will become our strength.
This is the promise of God. He will deliver us. His love will surround us. When God is near, joy will replace the fear in our hearts.
“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:6–11, NIV84)
When our fear is greater than our faith, it is time to seek God. God promises to fill those who are empty and turn the fearful into faithful warriors.
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