By Doug Ellison. Calvary Chapel of Melbourne / together doing life right
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). It’s so important in these dark days, when there are so many overwhelmed by fear, that we share the one thing that we ALL need right here, right now, and that’s the cure to the answer for ALL fears. And His name is, Jesus Christ!
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10) You will find the words, “Fear not!” 365 times in the Bible. I think that’s the point that our God wanted to make sure was driven home to us in His Word. If we believe in Him and walk in the path of His Son, Jesus Christ, we have NOTHING to fear. Will we have troubles in this life? Certainly! Are we exempt from sickness or injury? Of course not! But God is in control and we need have no fear of things that can come upon our bodies. When we have faith in the promise of Jesus, that we have eternity in heaven, in His presence, and to look forward to after this life is finished.
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. (Titus 1:2) Our faith in the promises of God, make us stand out like a beacon in the night, a bright, glowing light is for all to see in this dark and gloomy time. The love of Jesus glows white hot like the blaze of a thousand incandescent stars, a shining ray of hope that cuts through the haze and invites ALL, ”Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
We will always have trials, tribulations, pain and suffering, but suffering doesn’t destroy faith, it refines it. We have faith in whatever God allows in our lives, be it burdens, sickness, or sorrow, God will use it for good. We have that promise! And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
As our 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” So, let’s use our common sense and lean upon the Lord to get ourselves through this time of “mass insanity.” Love and faith, prayer and grace, and, let’s not isolate, but help each other. Let’s “love our neighbors as ourselves.” (Mark 12:31)