August 14 Do Not Fear

August 14

Do Not Fear

1 Kings 17:13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son.

"DO not fear." Elijah said. These are extraordinary words in a desperate circumstance. The widow has told Elijah she is about to go home for one last meal with her son. That meal will be the end of their food. Then they will starve to death.

           Can you imagine? You have two meals left in your cupboard when a stranger comes to you and essentially says, "Do not be afraid. I know you only have a meal for yourself and your son. Go and make the meal. But first make a small meal for me. Feed me before you feed yourself."

           Your response would certainly be grounded in fear. You would be afraid you would have too little for your son. You would be afraid this man would take more than his share. You would be afraid you would be giving to someone who doesn't "deserve" help. You would be afraid your help would be a waste of time. You would be afraid of dying.

           Throughout the Bible, we see this assurance, "Do not fear." Or "Do not be afraid." The angel Gabriel said this when he summoned Joseph to the enormous task God had given to Mary and him: Matthew 1:20 "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. An angel also spoke this to Mary Magdalene in the garden of Jesus' resurrection: Matthew 28:5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

           And Jesus said this to his disciples in the upper room as he greeted them in his resurrected body. Matthew 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 

           What is common about Elijah's, the angels', and the Savior's assurance? Note that the comfort is followed with an instruction. Essentially, God is saying to his chosen servants, "Do not be afraid in this very difficult circumstance. I have another faith step for you to take with me. Come and see." When each person went past their fear and faithfully into God's assurance, they experienced God's great love to care for them in even miraculous ways.

           Is fear holding you back from your faith journey? Be not afraid. Go forward and find all that God has prepared for you.

Prayer: Lord, I give my fears to you. Holy Spirit, fill me with your peace to trust God in all circumstances, especially the scary ones. In your name, amen.