January 29, 2002
“I’m not afraid of anything,” boasted the redhead. She planted her hands on her hips and defied all comers.
It was only a television movie, but this line is repeated many times everyday by children on the playground, teens trying to impress their peers, and adults who are certain they can conquer whatever comes at them. But everyone is afraid of at least two things. We are born with a fear of falling and of loud noises. All other fears are acquired.
Is fear bad? Not always. We tell our children to look both ways before crossing the street. We want them to be afraid of getting hit by a car. We run if we see a charging wild animal and would hide if a gunman appeared. We are afraid of walking on thin ice or touching a hot stove.
Those fears are normal, even wise, but pushed to excess, fear can be debilitating. In the movie “Secret Garden,” a child’s care givers feared he would become ill and die so they kept him in bed all the time. Their fear almost ruined his life.
Real wild animals can be dangerous but only if they are real. Proverbs 26:13 tells us, “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets.’” Fear (real or feigned) keeps a lazy person from going about his business. A friend tells me she cannot go on bridges or even escalators. She is terrified of heights and falling. Taking a normal fear to this extreme prevents normal living.
This kind of enslaving fear started in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve began life there they “were both naked, and they felt no shame.” They walked in open communion with God and each other. After they disobeyed God’s one command and ate forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they hid from God. When God called to them, Adam replied, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
Their disobedience produced shame. The man and woman no longer felt comfortable with God nor could they focus on Him and His care for them. They tried to solve their shame by covering themselves but it did not work. They became “slaves to sin,” unable to free themselves without the help of God. Their guilt also produced fear.
Other situations produce fear too. My mother-in-law is terrified of spiders. A neighbor is constantly afraid she will be robbed. A friend fears a terrorist attack. The list is long but, as with Adam and Eve, those who are overcome by fear have lost their focus on God and on His power to love and protect them. Whenever we commune with the Lord and maintain our awareness of His love and power, we cannot at the same time live in fear.
Those who have faith in Him also enjoy the security of His care. That does not mean problems disappear but faith does banish our fear. As the psalmist says, we cry out to God and “He delivers us from all our fears” (Psalm 34:4).
The Bible also says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Fear can protect us but when we allow it to rule our lives, we become its prisoner. Thank God that He can give us His perfect peace and set us free from the enslaving power of fear.
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Monday, October 30, 2017
Ready for the end? .......... Parables 660
March 21, 2000
Someone tipped the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms about terrorists making bombs. Whoever made the call was suspicious of an assortment of boxes and cartons being moved into the house next door, even sneaked in during the night. So the government raided this Washington, D.C. home, only to find an innocent family stockpiling supplies in fear of the millennium bug!
Fear causes strange reactions. Fear of computer glitches and the end of the world led many to overspending their budgets. Fear of unusual activities resulted in one neighbor calling the authorities. Fear of bombs and terrorists brought a reaction from a government agency who neglected to do their homework.
For now, fear of Y2K and worldwide catastrophes seems passe. We have been there and done that— but fear about the end of the world is another matter. Some people wonder if they will live out their lives before it happens or fear the worst for their children and grandchildren.
Dire predictions, fueled by crystal balls, doomsayers, Nostrademas and the Jeannie Dixon crowd, adorn the tabloids. For some, this puts this event into the realm of rumor and foolishness. If these questionable sources think the end is a real threat, it is easy to assume it is not.
Oddly, the Bible (hardly a tabloid) agrees that the world will end. Unlike those magazines though, it offers no spectacular date-setting, only a few clues about what to expect. For instance, it will come without warning like a thief and will be totally devastating: “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Rather than give dates, Scripture urges us to believe the end will definitely come. It challenges us not to be afraid, but rather to do something in preparation. If the end amounted to only a few power outages and supply shortages, a generator and extra food might be a good idea, but when everything is destroyed, what good is food or electricity? A full pantry and bomb shelter will not help us when this last event happens.
Neither will laughing it off. The Bible says some will do that as they mock end-time prophecies. Instead, we need to remember that God “is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
The only way to prepare for the end of the world is by turning to God, away from our own ideas and schemes. God offers to rescue us through faith, not food or hiding. He says, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God. . . .”
People of faith live the way God wants them to live because they know that the end of this world is really not the end. All creation can be laid bare yet they know God will preserve them for eternity. They are trusting all His promises, including John 3:16.
People of faith and righteousness also know that God will create “a new heaven and a new earth” which He describes as “the home of righteousness.” They also know that without righteousness, it is impossible to please Him or enter His home.
Whatever other preparations a person might make for a calamity as great as the end of the world, the only ones that carry God’s guarantee of survival are repentance, faith, and righteousness.
Someone tipped the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms about terrorists making bombs. Whoever made the call was suspicious of an assortment of boxes and cartons being moved into the house next door, even sneaked in during the night. So the government raided this Washington, D.C. home, only to find an innocent family stockpiling supplies in fear of the millennium bug!
Fear causes strange reactions. Fear of computer glitches and the end of the world led many to overspending their budgets. Fear of unusual activities resulted in one neighbor calling the authorities. Fear of bombs and terrorists brought a reaction from a government agency who neglected to do their homework.
For now, fear of Y2K and worldwide catastrophes seems passe. We have been there and done that— but fear about the end of the world is another matter. Some people wonder if they will live out their lives before it happens or fear the worst for their children and grandchildren.
Dire predictions, fueled by crystal balls, doomsayers, Nostrademas and the Jeannie Dixon crowd, adorn the tabloids. For some, this puts this event into the realm of rumor and foolishness. If these questionable sources think the end is a real threat, it is easy to assume it is not.
Oddly, the Bible (hardly a tabloid) agrees that the world will end. Unlike those magazines though, it offers no spectacular date-setting, only a few clues about what to expect. For instance, it will come without warning like a thief and will be totally devastating: “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Rather than give dates, Scripture urges us to believe the end will definitely come. It challenges us not to be afraid, but rather to do something in preparation. If the end amounted to only a few power outages and supply shortages, a generator and extra food might be a good idea, but when everything is destroyed, what good is food or electricity? A full pantry and bomb shelter will not help us when this last event happens.
Neither will laughing it off. The Bible says some will do that as they mock end-time prophecies. Instead, we need to remember that God “is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
The only way to prepare for the end of the world is by turning to God, away from our own ideas and schemes. God offers to rescue us through faith, not food or hiding. He says, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God. . . .”
People of faith live the way God wants them to live because they know that the end of this world is really not the end. All creation can be laid bare yet they know God will preserve them for eternity. They are trusting all His promises, including John 3:16.
People of faith and righteousness also know that God will create “a new heaven and a new earth” which He describes as “the home of righteousness.” They also know that without righteousness, it is impossible to please Him or enter His home.
Whatever other preparations a person might make for a calamity as great as the end of the world, the only ones that carry God’s guarantee of survival are repentance, faith, and righteousness.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Facing the Unknown .......... Parables 656
October 12, 1999
Last week, without warning, Rick’s boss terminated him. His wife Sharon is in a spin. She asks, “Why this? Why now?” Her security is threatened.
Sharon also says, “If I just knew what we could expect. Will Rick get a job in his line of work? Or will he have to start over in something else? Should he start his own business? What will happen with our mortgage?” As Rick tries to sort his options, she fears the unknown.
Who hasn’t? For years and no matter the location, my husband’s work had a shelf life. When one project was finished, we would be transferred to the next. Even though the move was certain, the location was often unknown, sometimes up until a month before we left.
Even for the most adventurous, the lure of a new experience can slide into fearfulness, even dread. We wondered, Will the new job be a reward or a challenge? Will we be able to find decent housing? Will the children fit into their new schools? Will the neighbors be friendly? We were anxious if not fearful of the unknown.
Another unknown faces Carol. Her husband died in August. Even though he had a heart problem, his death came suddenly. Carol had little warning. Now she gets up each morning alone and goes to bed with a sense of loss. As if those “knowns” were not difficult enough, she wonders about the years ahead. What other changes will they bring? Will she be able to cope?
As much as we want to know our futures, God forbids that we seek answers from astrology or anyone who gazes into a crystal ball. Instead, He offers us another solution: the fact that He knows the unknown and that He is sovereign over it.
As I consider Rick and Sharon and their fears, I recall Sharon saying, “I know that God knows the answers. I just wish He would tell me.”
God does know. But as Sharon struggles with His silence, Rick has a different take on it. He says, “God has taken care of us in the past. He will continue to do so in the future. In the right time, God will bring the right opportunity for us. In the meantime, I will do what I can do.”
In this situation, Rick is thinking about his known experiences with God’s faithfulness rather than the unknown. He realizes how fear of the unknown can pester us into impatience.
Years ago, someone told me how to manage the fears connected with moving by offering this truth from Acts 17:26. It says that God “determined the times set for them (all people) and the exact places where they should live.”
We didn’t know where we were going next, but God did. Since we were trusting Him to take care of us, it seemed logical to trust Him with the location as well.
I began thinking like a child who takes her father’s hand as they enter a midway. She has no idea what ride they will ride, but she knows that her dear father will not put her on anything that will harm her. Instead, he will take her to the one that offers the best experience for her.
Carol is also looking beyond the unknowns to her heavenly Father. She remembers Job’s words from the Old Testament: “He knows the way that I take” and God’s promise in Jeremiah 29: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Because she and her husband had placed their trust in Christ, she knew God’s promise of eternal life. It was her hope and his too, so Carol knows that she will see her husband again. For her, the immediate future may remain unknown, but she knows who holds the future. As long as she holds on to Him, the unknown is not a problem.
Last week, without warning, Rick’s boss terminated him. His wife Sharon is in a spin. She asks, “Why this? Why now?” Her security is threatened.
Sharon also says, “If I just knew what we could expect. Will Rick get a job in his line of work? Or will he have to start over in something else? Should he start his own business? What will happen with our mortgage?” As Rick tries to sort his options, she fears the unknown.
Who hasn’t? For years and no matter the location, my husband’s work had a shelf life. When one project was finished, we would be transferred to the next. Even though the move was certain, the location was often unknown, sometimes up until a month before we left.
Even for the most adventurous, the lure of a new experience can slide into fearfulness, even dread. We wondered, Will the new job be a reward or a challenge? Will we be able to find decent housing? Will the children fit into their new schools? Will the neighbors be friendly? We were anxious if not fearful of the unknown.
Another unknown faces Carol. Her husband died in August. Even though he had a heart problem, his death came suddenly. Carol had little warning. Now she gets up each morning alone and goes to bed with a sense of loss. As if those “knowns” were not difficult enough, she wonders about the years ahead. What other changes will they bring? Will she be able to cope?
As much as we want to know our futures, God forbids that we seek answers from astrology or anyone who gazes into a crystal ball. Instead, He offers us another solution: the fact that He knows the unknown and that He is sovereign over it.
As I consider Rick and Sharon and their fears, I recall Sharon saying, “I know that God knows the answers. I just wish He would tell me.”
God does know. But as Sharon struggles with His silence, Rick has a different take on it. He says, “God has taken care of us in the past. He will continue to do so in the future. In the right time, God will bring the right opportunity for us. In the meantime, I will do what I can do.”
In this situation, Rick is thinking about his known experiences with God’s faithfulness rather than the unknown. He realizes how fear of the unknown can pester us into impatience.
Years ago, someone told me how to manage the fears connected with moving by offering this truth from Acts 17:26. It says that God “determined the times set for them (all people) and the exact places where they should live.”
We didn’t know where we were going next, but God did. Since we were trusting Him to take care of us, it seemed logical to trust Him with the location as well.
I began thinking like a child who takes her father’s hand as they enter a midway. She has no idea what ride they will ride, but she knows that her dear father will not put her on anything that will harm her. Instead, he will take her to the one that offers the best experience for her.
Carol is also looking beyond the unknowns to her heavenly Father. She remembers Job’s words from the Old Testament: “He knows the way that I take” and God’s promise in Jeremiah 29: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Because she and her husband had placed their trust in Christ, she knew God’s promise of eternal life. It was her hope and his too, so Carol knows that she will see her husband again. For her, the immediate future may remain unknown, but she knows who holds the future. As long as she holds on to Him, the unknown is not a problem.
Monday, March 20, 2017
God and fearful threats ................ Parables 564
August 5, 1997
Abortion continues to be a hot topic. Recently, the United States Congress recommended a ban on partial-birth abortions. President Clinton vetoed this proposed legislation but at least a dozen states determined to go ahead with the ban at the state level.
Military hospitals continue to ban all abortions, even after a challenge to change that legislation. A member of the House of Representatives who voted to retain the ban said, “We are in the business of having the military win wars, not make war on an innocent baby in the womb.”
“Pro-choice” advocates would argue that is not a valid argument; that a fetus is not a “baby” and women should have total freedom to do as they wish with their own bodies. Some try to use Scripture to defend abortion even though their methods of interpretation are questionable.
The decision to abort a pregnancy has multiple motivations driven by powerful emotions. One of those emotions is fear: fear of being caught pregnant, fear of not being able to care for a child, fear of a boy friend’s rejection, fear of losing popularity, fear of the sacrifices required to raise a child and so on. Although God offers some direction about the value of human life related to a child in the womb, He gives much more direction and help for that debilitating emotion: fear.
The Bible says “God is not the author of fear.” It also says “fear not” and “be not afraid” over 100 times. Sometimes these are words of encouragement to His people to not be afraid of others who are a threat to them, because He is with them and is on their side.
Other times God encourages His people to drop an unwarranted fear of Him and of judgment. He promises that anyone who trusts Him, belongs to Him and is obedient to Him, has no reason to fear. He is with His people and will take care of them.
However, a few passages tell people that God is to be feared. For instance, in Luke 12 Jesus says, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Reading this statement in its context, Jesus means we spend far too much energy being afraid of those things that threaten us when we should have more concern for our standing before God. After all, it is He who controls our eternal destiny.
For some, an unborn child is a fearful threat. Those fears pressure people into considering actions that are not based on a genuine awe of God or on a deep faith in His power. He can help us but He also can judge what we do. We need to be more concerned with His opinion of us than that of other people or even our own.
However, fear of God is not intended as a club over our head. Jesus affirms this by adding: “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.”
Rather than suggesting fear as a threat, Jesus wants us to realize God loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him. We need to make that a priority choice.
Jesus also knows that when fear of people or other things motivates our decisions, we are not living by faith and “anything not of faith is sin.” When we find ourselves in emotionally-charged or frightful situations, Jesus wants us to realize that He cares about us more than we could ever know and that He is able to meet our need, no matter how impossible it seems to us. He invites us to come to Him rather than be driven by fear.
If fear is a driving force, then consider transferring that negative fear into a positive reverence for God. All our fears can be overcome — by faith.
Abortion continues to be a hot topic. Recently, the United States Congress recommended a ban on partial-birth abortions. President Clinton vetoed this proposed legislation but at least a dozen states determined to go ahead with the ban at the state level.
Military hospitals continue to ban all abortions, even after a challenge to change that legislation. A member of the House of Representatives who voted to retain the ban said, “We are in the business of having the military win wars, not make war on an innocent baby in the womb.”
“Pro-choice” advocates would argue that is not a valid argument; that a fetus is not a “baby” and women should have total freedom to do as they wish with their own bodies. Some try to use Scripture to defend abortion even though their methods of interpretation are questionable.
The decision to abort a pregnancy has multiple motivations driven by powerful emotions. One of those emotions is fear: fear of being caught pregnant, fear of not being able to care for a child, fear of a boy friend’s rejection, fear of losing popularity, fear of the sacrifices required to raise a child and so on. Although God offers some direction about the value of human life related to a child in the womb, He gives much more direction and help for that debilitating emotion: fear.
The Bible says “God is not the author of fear.” It also says “fear not” and “be not afraid” over 100 times. Sometimes these are words of encouragement to His people to not be afraid of others who are a threat to them, because He is with them and is on their side.
Other times God encourages His people to drop an unwarranted fear of Him and of judgment. He promises that anyone who trusts Him, belongs to Him and is obedient to Him, has no reason to fear. He is with His people and will take care of them.
However, a few passages tell people that God is to be feared. For instance, in Luke 12 Jesus says, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Reading this statement in its context, Jesus means we spend far too much energy being afraid of those things that threaten us when we should have more concern for our standing before God. After all, it is He who controls our eternal destiny.
For some, an unborn child is a fearful threat. Those fears pressure people into considering actions that are not based on a genuine awe of God or on a deep faith in His power. He can help us but He also can judge what we do. We need to be more concerned with His opinion of us than that of other people or even our own.
However, fear of God is not intended as a club over our head. Jesus affirms this by adding: “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.”
Rather than suggesting fear as a threat, Jesus wants us to realize God loves us and wants us to spend eternity with Him. We need to make that a priority choice.
Jesus also knows that when fear of people or other things motivates our decisions, we are not living by faith and “anything not of faith is sin.” When we find ourselves in emotionally-charged or frightful situations, Jesus wants us to realize that He cares about us more than we could ever know and that He is able to meet our need, no matter how impossible it seems to us. He invites us to come to Him rather than be driven by fear.
If fear is a driving force, then consider transferring that negative fear into a positive reverence for God. All our fears can be overcome — by faith.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Fighting the main monster .......... Parables 533
November 12, 1996
Katy cried in fear every time she heard a noise at her window. Matt couldn’t sleep at night because there was a monster in his closet. Sharon dreamed about wild animals and woke up sobbing. In every case, mommy or daddy came to the rescue and hugged away the fears.
Imaginary creatures frighten children but they are imaginary. We have some power over our imaginations. I recall dreams that took a terrible turn but even in my sleep, I changed the storyline and made a happy ending. The threat in my mind was controllable—in my mind.
Real-life monsters are not so easily manipulated. A few years ago, a monstrous black bear visited our campsite and charged our tent several times. Once a German Shepherd lunged unprovoked at my throat. These four-legged monsters did not hurt me but they had a definite ability to do so.
However, my most serious battles are with a formidable monster that I have never seen, one called Satan or the devil. Many suppose that this too is an imaginary creature yet Christians know he is real. Scripture presents him as a real person and Jesus describes him a “liar and the father of lies.” I have wrestled with his lies. I know he is real.
However, one of his most convincing suggestions is that he does not exist. For those who will not buy that, he uses other falsehoods about his identity. For instance, some think this expert at deceit is God’s counterpart. To them, God is extreme good, but Satan is extreme evil.
While that is an accurate description, Satan is not God’s opposite. God is all-powerful but Satan is limited. God is omnipresent, but the devil cannot be everywhere at once. God knows everything, but Satan is in the dark about many things. The devil is only a created being—one that is in rebellion against God.
In that regard, he is like people. We rebel too, but there are differences. For instance, Satan is not as free to do what he wants to do; he must first get permission from God. The story of Job confirms this limitation. When the devil wanted to damage Job, he approached God with this challenge: “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? ...But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
For reasons not explained, God replied, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” With that, Satan was allowed to attack Job.
Satan also attacked Jesus during His temptation in the wilderness yet this too was in the plan of God: Matthew 4:1 says, “Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.”
God had His reasons to allow His Son this test, otherwise Satan would not be able to stay in the sinless presence of Christ. His holiness would simply drive away one who is so evil. For that matter, while Christians are not sinless like Jesus, we are also told that when we yield to God (implying that we keep our lives pure and holy), we can “resist Satan and he will flee from us.”
The Bible’s teaching about Satan applies in many situations. If our world caves in, like Job’s did, we can rest in God’s sovereignty. We may not understand why trials happen to us (God did not tell Job), but we know that nothing falls outside of God’s purposes. He loves us. We can trust Him to be with us, to help us and to see us through the very worst situations. He even promises to “work all things together for our good,” a promise my experience stoutly defends.
We can also trust God when temptations are strong, when Satan whispers, “this is too much for you.” Rather than giving in to his lies, we can firmly declare, “My God is able to deliver me.” With that, we are resisting lies with truth, and truth makes this monster turn around and run.
Katy cried in fear every time she heard a noise at her window. Matt couldn’t sleep at night because there was a monster in his closet. Sharon dreamed about wild animals and woke up sobbing. In every case, mommy or daddy came to the rescue and hugged away the fears.
Imaginary creatures frighten children but they are imaginary. We have some power over our imaginations. I recall dreams that took a terrible turn but even in my sleep, I changed the storyline and made a happy ending. The threat in my mind was controllable—in my mind.
Real-life monsters are not so easily manipulated. A few years ago, a monstrous black bear visited our campsite and charged our tent several times. Once a German Shepherd lunged unprovoked at my throat. These four-legged monsters did not hurt me but they had a definite ability to do so.
However, my most serious battles are with a formidable monster that I have never seen, one called Satan or the devil. Many suppose that this too is an imaginary creature yet Christians know he is real. Scripture presents him as a real person and Jesus describes him a “liar and the father of lies.” I have wrestled with his lies. I know he is real.
However, one of his most convincing suggestions is that he does not exist. For those who will not buy that, he uses other falsehoods about his identity. For instance, some think this expert at deceit is God’s counterpart. To them, God is extreme good, but Satan is extreme evil.
While that is an accurate description, Satan is not God’s opposite. God is all-powerful but Satan is limited. God is omnipresent, but the devil cannot be everywhere at once. God knows everything, but Satan is in the dark about many things. The devil is only a created being—one that is in rebellion against God.
In that regard, he is like people. We rebel too, but there are differences. For instance, Satan is not as free to do what he wants to do; he must first get permission from God. The story of Job confirms this limitation. When the devil wanted to damage Job, he approached God with this challenge: “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? ...But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
For reasons not explained, God replied, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” With that, Satan was allowed to attack Job.
Satan also attacked Jesus during His temptation in the wilderness yet this too was in the plan of God: Matthew 4:1 says, “Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.”
God had His reasons to allow His Son this test, otherwise Satan would not be able to stay in the sinless presence of Christ. His holiness would simply drive away one who is so evil. For that matter, while Christians are not sinless like Jesus, we are also told that when we yield to God (implying that we keep our lives pure and holy), we can “resist Satan and he will flee from us.”
The Bible’s teaching about Satan applies in many situations. If our world caves in, like Job’s did, we can rest in God’s sovereignty. We may not understand why trials happen to us (God did not tell Job), but we know that nothing falls outside of God’s purposes. He loves us. We can trust Him to be with us, to help us and to see us through the very worst situations. He even promises to “work all things together for our good,” a promise my experience stoutly defends.
We can also trust God when temptations are strong, when Satan whispers, “this is too much for you.” Rather than giving in to his lies, we can firmly declare, “My God is able to deliver me.” With that, we are resisting lies with truth, and truth makes this monster turn around and run.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Fears and the power of God .................. Parables 429
July 12, 1994
My husband’s Uncle Bud led a colorful life. For instance, he once had a water spaniel that was afraid of water. Embarrassed with this inappropriate characteristic, Uncle Bud did what most people would do; he tossed it in the river. The fearful dog not only nearly drowned; Bud had to jump in and rescue it!
Like that dog, each of us have fears of one kind or another. For instance, my sister-in-law shrieks when she sees a spider and I once chased my brother around the yard with a garter snake. My own pulse races just watching on television the view from atop a tall building. People have fears in the spiritual realm too. Some are afraid of evil spirits. Others are afraid of God and think He plans harm for them. On the other hand, some Christians fear making gross mistakes and sinning against Him. Those who feel that way often pray: “lead us not into temptation.”
In relation to fearing sin, there is a comforting promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Anyone serious about not sinning hopes this verse means God will never give them anything they can’t handle. That is almost what it says, but not exactly. Read it again. God promises to not allow temptation beyond what we can bear — in that He provides a way to stand up under the temptation. He does not say overwhelming temptation will never come nor does He say we can handle it by ourselves.
Realistically, this world without temptation would be heaven! Since that is not the case, temptation to sin is everywhere, not only inside our own hearts but all around us. By allowing us to experience temptation, God helps us discover one of two things. Either by failure we learn where our faith needs to be stronger, or by success we learn that God is faithful. His way out actually works.
Regarding fear, it is generally opposite to faith. It is impossible to trust God and be anxious at the same time. When Jesus walked on water, Peter thought that would be exciting and asked if he could try. Jesus invited him to step out of the boat. Peter was fine as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord. As soon as he looked at the storm, fear confronted him and the apostle followed anxiety instead of Jesus.
Peter had a way out. He could keep on trusting Christ, but he failed. Instead of standing up under the temptation, he actually began sinking under the water. Jesus had to come to his rescue.
Job, an Old Testament character, had problems with fear also. He hoped calamity would never happen, but after losing his livestock and his family, Job said, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.”
However, Job also “feared God and shunned evil.” When his negative fears came true, his faith in God wavered but held. He was finally able to say: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Later, God restored his losses and commended him for his declaration of faith.
Like Bud’s little dog, without intervention, we would not survive many situations that confront us. Trust in God does not eliminate temptation, danger or trials, but He does guarantee to provide a way through them so we can resist yielding to fear or sin.
My husband’s Uncle Bud led a colorful life. For instance, he once had a water spaniel that was afraid of water. Embarrassed with this inappropriate characteristic, Uncle Bud did what most people would do; he tossed it in the river. The fearful dog not only nearly drowned; Bud had to jump in and rescue it!
Like that dog, each of us have fears of one kind or another. For instance, my sister-in-law shrieks when she sees a spider and I once chased my brother around the yard with a garter snake. My own pulse races just watching on television the view from atop a tall building. People have fears in the spiritual realm too. Some are afraid of evil spirits. Others are afraid of God and think He plans harm for them. On the other hand, some Christians fear making gross mistakes and sinning against Him. Those who feel that way often pray: “lead us not into temptation.”
In relation to fearing sin, there is a comforting promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Anyone serious about not sinning hopes this verse means God will never give them anything they can’t handle. That is almost what it says, but not exactly. Read it again. God promises to not allow temptation beyond what we can bear — in that He provides a way to stand up under the temptation. He does not say overwhelming temptation will never come nor does He say we can handle it by ourselves.
Realistically, this world without temptation would be heaven! Since that is not the case, temptation to sin is everywhere, not only inside our own hearts but all around us. By allowing us to experience temptation, God helps us discover one of two things. Either by failure we learn where our faith needs to be stronger, or by success we learn that God is faithful. His way out actually works.
Regarding fear, it is generally opposite to faith. It is impossible to trust God and be anxious at the same time. When Jesus walked on water, Peter thought that would be exciting and asked if he could try. Jesus invited him to step out of the boat. Peter was fine as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord. As soon as he looked at the storm, fear confronted him and the apostle followed anxiety instead of Jesus.
Peter had a way out. He could keep on trusting Christ, but he failed. Instead of standing up under the temptation, he actually began sinking under the water. Jesus had to come to his rescue.
Job, an Old Testament character, had problems with fear also. He hoped calamity would never happen, but after losing his livestock and his family, Job said, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.”
However, Job also “feared God and shunned evil.” When his negative fears came true, his faith in God wavered but held. He was finally able to say: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Later, God restored his losses and commended him for his declaration of faith.
Like Bud’s little dog, without intervention, we would not survive many situations that confront us. Trust in God does not eliminate temptation, danger or trials, but He does guarantee to provide a way through them so we can resist yielding to fear or sin.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Fear and Prayer ............. Parables 367
April 27, 1993
“If there is a God and He runs everything and knows what is going to happen anyway... what is the point of praying?”
So many times this question is answered with reasons why we ought to pray, like: “God commands it,” or “God wants us to fellowship with Him,” or “God chooses to work through the prayers of His people.” They are good reasons but do they answer the question?
Personally, whenever I wonder if there is any point in praying, I’m not looking for reasons why I should. I know that already. What is really happening is that inside, I am beginning to question if God actually is in control. And if He is, it doesn’t seem that He cares about me.
Jesus’ disciples wondered the same things. On one occasion, He told them to get into a boat because they were “going to the other side” of the sea of Galilee. On their way across, He fell asleep.
Soon a storm whipped across the water. As winds increased, these seasoned fishermen became anxious. Buckets in hand, they no doubt bailed as fast as they could but the wind and the waves continued to rise. Needing all hands on deck, someone lurched to the stern and woke Jesus, demanding, “Master, don’t you care if we perish?” (Mark 4:38).
Jesus stood up. He looked out over the raging water then gave this order, “Peace, be still!” The storm immediately obeyed.
Before they had time to say a word, Jesus turned and also rebuked the twelve. “Why are you so fearful? how is it that you have such little faith?”
After all, Jesus did tell them they would go to the other side, not launch out and die in the sea. Apparently they didn’t believe Him. At least if they did, their faith took a drastic dip when the storm came up and it looked like they wouldn’t make it.
That happens to me too. Even though Jesus promised to take me through life safely, sometimes it turns into a squall and I get scared. Soon I’m wondering if He not only forgot about me but doesn’t care if I go under. Has He fallen asleep?
When I cry out with my “little” faith, Jesus rebukes me as well, not for crying out to Him but for failing to believe that He cares.
Thinking otherwise is a lie that slanders the very character of God. The roots of this kind of unbelief go back to Eve and the serpent (Satan in disguise) in Genesis. When the snake suggested God was not interested in Eve’s good and that He didn’t care about her, she believed his lie and disobeyed God. Later on, the Israelites wandered forty years in the wilderness because they also doubted His goodness.
Believing God loves us and wants to bless us is a fundamental quality of faith. “Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
When we are certain God loves us and rewards us for seeking Him, prayer is a delight. Yes, He already knows about our problems, trials, loneliness and fears. He, more than any caring friend, simply longs we share these with Him. When we do, He never accuses us or make us feel foolish because we are afraid of life. Instead, He regards our prayers for His help as a demonstration of our faith.
At least the disciples’ little faith was large enough that they went to him with their fears about the blustery problem at hand. For most of us, “little faith” means we don’t go to Him at all.
“If there is a God and He runs everything and knows what is going to happen anyway... what is the point of praying?”
So many times this question is answered with reasons why we ought to pray, like: “God commands it,” or “God wants us to fellowship with Him,” or “God chooses to work through the prayers of His people.” They are good reasons but do they answer the question?
Personally, whenever I wonder if there is any point in praying, I’m not looking for reasons why I should. I know that already. What is really happening is that inside, I am beginning to question if God actually is in control. And if He is, it doesn’t seem that He cares about me.
Jesus’ disciples wondered the same things. On one occasion, He told them to get into a boat because they were “going to the other side” of the sea of Galilee. On their way across, He fell asleep.
Soon a storm whipped across the water. As winds increased, these seasoned fishermen became anxious. Buckets in hand, they no doubt bailed as fast as they could but the wind and the waves continued to rise. Needing all hands on deck, someone lurched to the stern and woke Jesus, demanding, “Master, don’t you care if we perish?” (Mark 4:38).
Jesus stood up. He looked out over the raging water then gave this order, “Peace, be still!” The storm immediately obeyed.
Before they had time to say a word, Jesus turned and also rebuked the twelve. “Why are you so fearful? how is it that you have such little faith?”
After all, Jesus did tell them they would go to the other side, not launch out and die in the sea. Apparently they didn’t believe Him. At least if they did, their faith took a drastic dip when the storm came up and it looked like they wouldn’t make it.
That happens to me too. Even though Jesus promised to take me through life safely, sometimes it turns into a squall and I get scared. Soon I’m wondering if He not only forgot about me but doesn’t care if I go under. Has He fallen asleep?
When I cry out with my “little” faith, Jesus rebukes me as well, not for crying out to Him but for failing to believe that He cares.
Thinking otherwise is a lie that slanders the very character of God. The roots of this kind of unbelief go back to Eve and the serpent (Satan in disguise) in Genesis. When the snake suggested God was not interested in Eve’s good and that He didn’t care about her, she believed his lie and disobeyed God. Later on, the Israelites wandered forty years in the wilderness because they also doubted His goodness.
Believing God loves us and wants to bless us is a fundamental quality of faith. “Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
When we are certain God loves us and rewards us for seeking Him, prayer is a delight. Yes, He already knows about our problems, trials, loneliness and fears. He, more than any caring friend, simply longs we share these with Him. When we do, He never accuses us or make us feel foolish because we are afraid of life. Instead, He regards our prayers for His help as a demonstration of our faith.
At least the disciples’ little faith was large enough that they went to him with their fears about the blustery problem at hand. For most of us, “little faith” means we don’t go to Him at all.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Entertaining Angels and the God who is Here ................ Parables 330
August 11, 1992
Remember the first time you tried backing up a trailer? Remember how it twists every direction but the way you want it to go? So no wonder my biggest fear during last month’s camping trip was parking our large tent trailer in a heavily-treed site that does not have a pull-through approach. My husband always does the engineering in our family. I had no experience with that rig and my confidence level was zilch.
But I was willing to try; my daughter and her two girls were depending on me. So we registered at the camping centre and found our site. I pulled past the narrow, tree-lined opening, put the van in reverse and turned the wheel in what I hoped was the right direction.
Suddenly a stranger appeared at my window. “Would you like me to do that for you?” Without hesitation, I jumped out and watched him park our holiday vehicle. We said thank you and he was gone. We giggled for hours about this “angel.”
The next day, Karen struggled with a small propane barbecue. Neither of us could get it burning. Suddenly another stranger appeared, “Would you like me to do that for you?” He lit it, then was gone. Just like the other man, he appeared out of nowhere and disappeared the same way. We never saw either of them again.
Later on we talked about these strangers who answered our prayers for a safe and enjoyable camping trip. Were they really angels? And we wondered if they also intervened in some unknown way so we did not encounter the bear and her cub that reportedly were in the campsite. Maybe they protected us from other hidden and unknown dangers as well.
Even if our speculations had no foundation, we are sure that the big thing I feared the most (parking that rig) and the little annoyance that Karen struggled with were neither too big or too small for the loving notice of our God. He cares, and whatever and however He managed it, two people were in the right place at the right time to help us. Thank you, Lord.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is God’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Even though there have been times when I have felt deserted and alone without a friend, or just plain lonely in a crowd, God has continually reminded me that He is with me. Sometimes He causes a subtle sense of His presence, sometimes a spectacular emotional awareness, but His promise does not include either. Nor does He say He will always supply handy helpers when we struggle or do not know how to carry on. He simply says He is there — what a comforting thought to grab hold of and believe.
Of course the Bible says God is everywhere, but if our concept of God is that He is our heavenly Father (with all its images of personality), it is difficult to understand how He can be everywhere. But if we think of God as an entity like wind or atmosphere, the idea of Him being personally with us has no meaning. This combination of an omnipresent God that personally walks beside us with great care and compassion boggles our minds. And that is the way it should be — God is far more than we can comprehend.
Yet in our inability to fully understand Him, He does make Himself known. Jesus promised to all those who believe in Him that we would experience the reality of God with us — He makes Him known. Furthermore, we often see Him in the lives of others who follow Him, in the joys and the trials of life, and certainly in the people who appear out of nowhere to help us.
Were they really angels? Maybe not. But God used them to make us aware that He cares for us — and aware that He is not limited by snaky trailers, women drivers, and two people who can’t find the right end to light on a gas barbecue!
Remember the first time you tried backing up a trailer? Remember how it twists every direction but the way you want it to go? So no wonder my biggest fear during last month’s camping trip was parking our large tent trailer in a heavily-treed site that does not have a pull-through approach. My husband always does the engineering in our family. I had no experience with that rig and my confidence level was zilch.
But I was willing to try; my daughter and her two girls were depending on me. So we registered at the camping centre and found our site. I pulled past the narrow, tree-lined opening, put the van in reverse and turned the wheel in what I hoped was the right direction.
Suddenly a stranger appeared at my window. “Would you like me to do that for you?” Without hesitation, I jumped out and watched him park our holiday vehicle. We said thank you and he was gone. We giggled for hours about this “angel.”
The next day, Karen struggled with a small propane barbecue. Neither of us could get it burning. Suddenly another stranger appeared, “Would you like me to do that for you?” He lit it, then was gone. Just like the other man, he appeared out of nowhere and disappeared the same way. We never saw either of them again.
Later on we talked about these strangers who answered our prayers for a safe and enjoyable camping trip. Were they really angels? And we wondered if they also intervened in some unknown way so we did not encounter the bear and her cub that reportedly were in the campsite. Maybe they protected us from other hidden and unknown dangers as well.
Even if our speculations had no foundation, we are sure that the big thing I feared the most (parking that rig) and the little annoyance that Karen struggled with were neither too big or too small for the loving notice of our God. He cares, and whatever and however He managed it, two people were in the right place at the right time to help us. Thank you, Lord.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is God’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Even though there have been times when I have felt deserted and alone without a friend, or just plain lonely in a crowd, God has continually reminded me that He is with me. Sometimes He causes a subtle sense of His presence, sometimes a spectacular emotional awareness, but His promise does not include either. Nor does He say He will always supply handy helpers when we struggle or do not know how to carry on. He simply says He is there — what a comforting thought to grab hold of and believe.
Of course the Bible says God is everywhere, but if our concept of God is that He is our heavenly Father (with all its images of personality), it is difficult to understand how He can be everywhere. But if we think of God as an entity like wind or atmosphere, the idea of Him being personally with us has no meaning. This combination of an omnipresent God that personally walks beside us with great care and compassion boggles our minds. And that is the way it should be — God is far more than we can comprehend.
Yet in our inability to fully understand Him, He does make Himself known. Jesus promised to all those who believe in Him that we would experience the reality of God with us — He makes Him known. Furthermore, we often see Him in the lives of others who follow Him, in the joys and the trials of life, and certainly in the people who appear out of nowhere to help us.
Were they really angels? Maybe not. But God used them to make us aware that He cares for us — and aware that He is not limited by snaky trailers, women drivers, and two people who can’t find the right end to light on a gas barbecue!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Overcoming Phobias ................ Parables 315
April 28, 1992
Contrary to the claims of the Tough and Determined, everyone has fears. They may be unusual, such as thalassophobia: fear of the sea; climacophobia: fear of stairs; optophobia: fear of closing one’s eyes; or logizomechanophobia: fear of computers!
Others fears are more common, such as claustrophobia: fear of being locked in; achluphobia: fear of the dark; and androphobia: fear of man. Closely related to the last one is the number one fear in North America: fear of public speaking (which also has several long names ending in phobia).
At the root of being afraid to speak in public is a fear of what people will think if I make a mistake. Will they reject me? Laugh at me? Talk about me in a demeaning way behind my back? We are afraid of people but when called upon to get up and talk before a crowd our concerns center more on getting rid of sweaty palms, dry mouth, and a stomach full of butterflies.
Experienced speakers say that no matter how many times they speak, there are always some symptoms of anxiety. However, progress can be made. As a speaker learns to concentrate less on himself and more on the audience, those jitters are markedly decreased. Since kings fit into the category of experienced lecturers, peeking into a king’s journal might give further insight into dealing with this major fear of public speaking.
The shepherd-king of Israel had reason to fear man — both before and after taking the throne. Saul, the former king was constantly trying to kill him. Leaders of other nations threatened his kingdom. His own son betrayed him and tried to take his God-given position of leadership. When David wrote in his journal (the Psalms), he did not have public speaking in mind but the fear of man occupied his emotions. Dealing with it is getting at the root of the other fear.
As we might expect, David hoped in God for his confidence. He said: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should camp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident... (note where he places his confidence) ...for in the time of trouble (the LORD) shall hide me... in the secret of His tabernacle; He shall set me up upon a rock.”
David knew that no matter what his enemies tried to do to him, God was in control. Furthermore, even if the worst should happen, his hope was in the fact that he could retreat into the safety of his relationship with God. God loved him. God accepted him. God never, ever ridiculed him. In that Rock he could find stability for fearful emotions and security against all threats.
To have that kind of confidence, David (and you and I) need an intimate relationship with God. It will not do to merely know in our heads that He is sovereign and that He loves and accepts us. These truths have to be deeply ingrained into our hearts to the point that when dangers, darkness, public speaking, or other experiences threaten, terror will not fill our minds and tense our muscles. Instead, we will immediately think of God and trust Him.
Fear’s causes, whether spiders, trains, travel or burglars, are never as awesome or as powerful as God. He controls all that comes at us and even though some of it will test us (to see where we really place our confidence), it borders on idolatry to let anything we fear control our lives — instead of Him.
Contrary to the claims of the Tough and Determined, everyone has fears. They may be unusual, such as thalassophobia: fear of the sea; climacophobia: fear of stairs; optophobia: fear of closing one’s eyes; or logizomechanophobia: fear of computers!
Others fears are more common, such as claustrophobia: fear of being locked in; achluphobia: fear of the dark; and androphobia: fear of man. Closely related to the last one is the number one fear in North America: fear of public speaking (which also has several long names ending in phobia).
At the root of being afraid to speak in public is a fear of what people will think if I make a mistake. Will they reject me? Laugh at me? Talk about me in a demeaning way behind my back? We are afraid of people but when called upon to get up and talk before a crowd our concerns center more on getting rid of sweaty palms, dry mouth, and a stomach full of butterflies.
Experienced speakers say that no matter how many times they speak, there are always some symptoms of anxiety. However, progress can be made. As a speaker learns to concentrate less on himself and more on the audience, those jitters are markedly decreased. Since kings fit into the category of experienced lecturers, peeking into a king’s journal might give further insight into dealing with this major fear of public speaking.
The shepherd-king of Israel had reason to fear man — both before and after taking the throne. Saul, the former king was constantly trying to kill him. Leaders of other nations threatened his kingdom. His own son betrayed him and tried to take his God-given position of leadership. When David wrote in his journal (the Psalms), he did not have public speaking in mind but the fear of man occupied his emotions. Dealing with it is getting at the root of the other fear.
As we might expect, David hoped in God for his confidence. He said: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should camp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident... (note where he places his confidence) ...for in the time of trouble (the LORD) shall hide me... in the secret of His tabernacle; He shall set me up upon a rock.”
David knew that no matter what his enemies tried to do to him, God was in control. Furthermore, even if the worst should happen, his hope was in the fact that he could retreat into the safety of his relationship with God. God loved him. God accepted him. God never, ever ridiculed him. In that Rock he could find stability for fearful emotions and security against all threats.
To have that kind of confidence, David (and you and I) need an intimate relationship with God. It will not do to merely know in our heads that He is sovereign and that He loves and accepts us. These truths have to be deeply ingrained into our hearts to the point that when dangers, darkness, public speaking, or other experiences threaten, terror will not fill our minds and tense our muscles. Instead, we will immediately think of God and trust Him.
Fear’s causes, whether spiders, trains, travel or burglars, are never as awesome or as powerful as God. He controls all that comes at us and even though some of it will test us (to see where we really place our confidence), it borders on idolatry to let anything we fear control our lives — instead of Him.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
The Worst Fear .............. Parables 252
(January 30, 1991)
“Our worst fears came true Wednesday...” began the news story.
The outbreak of war in the Middle East seems to be the “worst fear” of at least one journalist and perhaps many other people. Wars are continually being fought, why is this one war causing the “worst fear”?
Part of the reason for such fear is the attitude of Saddam Hussein. He apparently has no concern for human life, not even that of his own people never mind those who have combined forces to put him out of Kuwait. He has been compared to Hitler and himself says he will fight to the death.
Others are afraid because the war involves the superpowers. If Canada and the United States are fighting, are we not open to retaliation from fringe groups and Iraqi terrorists? Are airports, department stores, even the streets safe for us? War has not just invaded our living rooms via television, some fear that it will suddenly come into our back yards.
And what about the weaponry? The United States has clearly demonstrated the incredible power of their high tech equipment. Bombs have not only been accurately dropped, but cunningly directed through the doors of buildings to explode inside. The Iraqi missiles also put terror into hearts, at least the hearts of many Israelis. During one raid, some even died from heart attacks, not actual injuries.
Some are afraid because the war could be extended over a long time and distance, involving more soldiers and unimaginable casualties. No longer is it a movie that involves actors and ketchup but real people with families that love them and don’t want to lose them. Along with that is a fear that our own loved ones are at direct risk. Many have family members in the services, perhaps even at the front. Some fear conscription is a possibility. Who would want their young sons to be drafted and sent into battle?
Those fears are heightened because most of our generation has not seen war, at least directly. The conflicts in Korea, Viet Nam, even Iran/Iraq were far-away because WE were not involved. Now we are. We don’t know how to think about war, so fear governs.
Perhaps another reason this war is feared as the “worst” fear relates to Biblical prophecy. Even many who never read the Bible are aware of a final battle where nations gather together against the people of Israel. Then the Lord God intervenes in judgment, bringing the world to a horrible end and establishing a new heavens and a new earth. The place of this battle will be a valley called Armageddon, about 60 kilometers northeast of Tel Aviv.
Some determine not to fear Armageddon, dismissing it as myth. Christians wonder. Is the stage being set? Are these the last days of this age before our Lord will return? If so, should we be afraid?
The Bible says many things about war and about a final war, but none of them give my heart the assurance that comes from passages that speak of the power of God. The enemies may be great, the weapons may be awesome, but none compare to the power of God. Psalms 46:8,9 say: “Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations He has made in the earth. He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire.”
Iraq and allies alike are no match for God. The kings of the earth may set themselves against Him but Psalm 2 says He laughs at them. He is the one that controls the destiny of the nations, not the one with the most guns and the biggest or most accurate bombs.
While today’s Israelites are wondering if the prophecies in Jeremiah 50 and 51 are what God has planned for modern Iraq (historic Babylon), God’s first concern is to give all men and women inner peace, the kind that endures threats and shelling alike. Psalms 46:10 invites each one of us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Anyone who has that knowledge through faith in Jesus Christ, can be confident amid fear, for in His time, He “will be exalted among the heathen, He will be exalted in the earth.”
“Our worst fears came true Wednesday...” began the news story.
The outbreak of war in the Middle East seems to be the “worst fear” of at least one journalist and perhaps many other people. Wars are continually being fought, why is this one war causing the “worst fear”?
Part of the reason for such fear is the attitude of Saddam Hussein. He apparently has no concern for human life, not even that of his own people never mind those who have combined forces to put him out of Kuwait. He has been compared to Hitler and himself says he will fight to the death.
Others are afraid because the war involves the superpowers. If Canada and the United States are fighting, are we not open to retaliation from fringe groups and Iraqi terrorists? Are airports, department stores, even the streets safe for us? War has not just invaded our living rooms via television, some fear that it will suddenly come into our back yards.
And what about the weaponry? The United States has clearly demonstrated the incredible power of their high tech equipment. Bombs have not only been accurately dropped, but cunningly directed through the doors of buildings to explode inside. The Iraqi missiles also put terror into hearts, at least the hearts of many Israelis. During one raid, some even died from heart attacks, not actual injuries.
Some are afraid because the war could be extended over a long time and distance, involving more soldiers and unimaginable casualties. No longer is it a movie that involves actors and ketchup but real people with families that love them and don’t want to lose them. Along with that is a fear that our own loved ones are at direct risk. Many have family members in the services, perhaps even at the front. Some fear conscription is a possibility. Who would want their young sons to be drafted and sent into battle?
Those fears are heightened because most of our generation has not seen war, at least directly. The conflicts in Korea, Viet Nam, even Iran/Iraq were far-away because WE were not involved. Now we are. We don’t know how to think about war, so fear governs.
Perhaps another reason this war is feared as the “worst” fear relates to Biblical prophecy. Even many who never read the Bible are aware of a final battle where nations gather together against the people of Israel. Then the Lord God intervenes in judgment, bringing the world to a horrible end and establishing a new heavens and a new earth. The place of this battle will be a valley called Armageddon, about 60 kilometers northeast of Tel Aviv.
Some determine not to fear Armageddon, dismissing it as myth. Christians wonder. Is the stage being set? Are these the last days of this age before our Lord will return? If so, should we be afraid?
The Bible says many things about war and about a final war, but none of them give my heart the assurance that comes from passages that speak of the power of God. The enemies may be great, the weapons may be awesome, but none compare to the power of God. Psalms 46:8,9 say: “Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations He has made in the earth. He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire.”
Iraq and allies alike are no match for God. The kings of the earth may set themselves against Him but Psalm 2 says He laughs at them. He is the one that controls the destiny of the nations, not the one with the most guns and the biggest or most accurate bombs.
While today’s Israelites are wondering if the prophecies in Jeremiah 50 and 51 are what God has planned for modern Iraq (historic Babylon), God’s first concern is to give all men and women inner peace, the kind that endures threats and shelling alike. Psalms 46:10 invites each one of us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Anyone who has that knowledge through faith in Jesus Christ, can be confident amid fear, for in His time, He “will be exalted among the heathen, He will be exalted in the earth.”
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Being Set Free ......................... Parables 168
(June 7, 1989)
A strange persistent noise drew our son, home alone, away from the computer and into the family room. He thought someone was in the house. He listened a few moments, and then realized a bird had tumbled down the chimney and was inside the wood-burning stove.
After calling some experts on the art of catching and freeing a bird without hurting it, he gingerly opened the stove door. There perched on the grate was an ash-covered sparrow. But it refused to fly out the opening. So he reached in. Eventually it came out -- and the chase was on.
Over the sofa and under the TV. Back and forth and up and down the hall. Finally, he “trapped” it in his bedroom. With the door closed and the window open, surely the bird would go where it obviously wanted to be.
But no, the little creature darted under the dresser and under the bed, everywhere but out the open window. Finally, large bath towel in hand, he crept up and tossed the towel gently over it. Then he carefully scooped it up in his arms, took it outside, and released it.
Can you imagine what might have been going through that bird’s mind? “What is this heartless giant going to do to me? I must not let him near me. Surely he will hurt me. I have to get away from him. I want to be free. If he catches me, he is going to spoil my freedom.”
In ignorance of our son’s intent, the frightened bird was hardly cooperative. Actually, no one can really blame the bird. Our son couldn’t talk sparrow-talk and make his intentions known. No other birds who might understand human kindness dropped by to set its pounding heart at ease. In the bird’s mind, the size and action of the human only conveyed one message -- this huge “thing” is out to get me.
Sometimes a similar reaction occurs when the topic of God comes up, at least in the minds of people who do not understand His intent. Mention His name, church, Jesus Christ, Christianity, or any other spiritual word and they flap all over the place looking for a way out. “Not me,” they say. “I’m going to live my own life and no one is going to ruin all my fun.” To them, God is the ultimate killjoy, the destroyer of freedom. In their minds, submission to Him could not do anything but enslave.
How sad. God says “I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” He is not at all a killjoy trying to enslave anyone. Instead, He is a Deliverer, One who will take us out of the prison we have put ourselves in and set us free.
The prison? Not exactly the same as a tumble down a fireplace chimney but a tumble nonetheless. God created man innocent and able to have communion with Him, without fear. However, since that first bite into the forbidden fruit, all have sinned and broken that communion. Sin is simply turning from God and acting independently of Him. The Bible says the wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God, eternal destruction.
Oh, it may not seem like a prison from a human perspective. Even the bird might have thought he was in an interesting “cave,” not a stove where the contents are eventually incinerated. He may have even enjoyed flying around our house and running into the walls. Some humans go through life like that, crashing through and thinking the fast lane is a blast.
But at the end, when life runs down and the markers are called in, the wages must be paid. It’s like grocery shopping. The cart can be piled as high as one likes with whatever one likes, but eventually all must go through the checkout. When we get to that point, it’s too late to put some of the stuff back on the shelves and start over. Just like the bird, we don’t have the capacity to fly back up the chimney.
If our son had talked bird-talk, the bird may have listened and saved itself all that stress. Fortunately for it, its eventual freedom did not depend on its response, or lack of it. However, ours does. God in His Son Jesus Christ came to talk man-to-man in our language and set us free. Are we listening?
A strange persistent noise drew our son, home alone, away from the computer and into the family room. He thought someone was in the house. He listened a few moments, and then realized a bird had tumbled down the chimney and was inside the wood-burning stove.
After calling some experts on the art of catching and freeing a bird without hurting it, he gingerly opened the stove door. There perched on the grate was an ash-covered sparrow. But it refused to fly out the opening. So he reached in. Eventually it came out -- and the chase was on.
Over the sofa and under the TV. Back and forth and up and down the hall. Finally, he “trapped” it in his bedroom. With the door closed and the window open, surely the bird would go where it obviously wanted to be.
But no, the little creature darted under the dresser and under the bed, everywhere but out the open window. Finally, large bath towel in hand, he crept up and tossed the towel gently over it. Then he carefully scooped it up in his arms, took it outside, and released it.
Can you imagine what might have been going through that bird’s mind? “What is this heartless giant going to do to me? I must not let him near me. Surely he will hurt me. I have to get away from him. I want to be free. If he catches me, he is going to spoil my freedom.”
In ignorance of our son’s intent, the frightened bird was hardly cooperative. Actually, no one can really blame the bird. Our son couldn’t talk sparrow-talk and make his intentions known. No other birds who might understand human kindness dropped by to set its pounding heart at ease. In the bird’s mind, the size and action of the human only conveyed one message -- this huge “thing” is out to get me.
Sometimes a similar reaction occurs when the topic of God comes up, at least in the minds of people who do not understand His intent. Mention His name, church, Jesus Christ, Christianity, or any other spiritual word and they flap all over the place looking for a way out. “Not me,” they say. “I’m going to live my own life and no one is going to ruin all my fun.” To them, God is the ultimate killjoy, the destroyer of freedom. In their minds, submission to Him could not do anything but enslave.
How sad. God says “I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” He is not at all a killjoy trying to enslave anyone. Instead, He is a Deliverer, One who will take us out of the prison we have put ourselves in and set us free.
The prison? Not exactly the same as a tumble down a fireplace chimney but a tumble nonetheless. God created man innocent and able to have communion with Him, without fear. However, since that first bite into the forbidden fruit, all have sinned and broken that communion. Sin is simply turning from God and acting independently of Him. The Bible says the wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God, eternal destruction.
Oh, it may not seem like a prison from a human perspective. Even the bird might have thought he was in an interesting “cave,” not a stove where the contents are eventually incinerated. He may have even enjoyed flying around our house and running into the walls. Some humans go through life like that, crashing through and thinking the fast lane is a blast.
But at the end, when life runs down and the markers are called in, the wages must be paid. It’s like grocery shopping. The cart can be piled as high as one likes with whatever one likes, but eventually all must go through the checkout. When we get to that point, it’s too late to put some of the stuff back on the shelves and start over. Just like the bird, we don’t have the capacity to fly back up the chimney.
If our son had talked bird-talk, the bird may have listened and saved itself all that stress. Fortunately for it, its eventual freedom did not depend on its response, or lack of it. However, ours does. God in His Son Jesus Christ came to talk man-to-man in our language and set us free. Are we listening?
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Lost? ................................ Parables 052
Have you ever been lost? ... when all sense of direction eluded you, and you did not know how to go from where you were to where you wanted to be? ... and you had no idea where you were at? You kept telling yourself, “Don’t lose your head... you’ll be okay.” But the knots came in the pit of your stomach and panic threatened to overcome all your logic.
Frightening feeling isn’t it? A couple of years ago we made one wrong turn off a freeway in Los Angeles, and we didn’t have any idea what city we were in, or what way to go. Happily, we could stop and ask someone, or look at the street signs and compare them to our map.
Being lost outdoors in the wilderness on a hunting or hiking trip where there are no people to ask, is even more frightening. After a while the trees and rocks all look the same. Our pounding hearts wonder, “Am I alone in this, or is anyone looking for me?”
Children often get lost, without even knowing it. They wander away from their parents, oblivious to the separation, and drift to the toy department, after the puppy on the beach, or whatever. Taken up with what grabbed their interest, they are unaware that mom and dad are even looking for them, at least until they are found.
Spiritually, there is the condition of being lost. The Bible says that “We like sheep have all gone astray, everyone has turned to his own way...”
All have wandered from the Father. We were born that way, adrift from His will, not interested in walking with Him, and are therefore excluded from the heavenly home that He desires to share with us for eternity.
Like the physically lost, some may know their condition. Perhaps there is panic inside, and an effort to convince themselves that “I’ll be okay.” Yet deep inside, the questions nag, “Am I alone? Does anyone care?”
Others are not aware that they are lost from God. They are so caught up in the “toy departments” of life that their separation from Him goes unnoticed. Aware or not, God’s Word confirms that the lost cannot, and will not, find their way to Him by themselves.
Thankfully, He is not oblivious to our condition. He knows where we are, even before we know ourselves, and He knows we need His help to get out of the “wilderness.” So He sent Jesus Christ “to seek and to save those who are lost”, and to declare “I am the way... no man comes to the Father but through me.” His Son is the rescuer - as well as the way home.
If you have ever been physically lost, you know what joy you had when you were at last safe. The fears and questions were over, and you relaxed in the comfort of being home.
The spiritually lost are also invited to experience peace and joy - by the Lord of the lost sheep, Jesus Christ, as He reaches out to find us and show us that He is the Way to the Father. Eventually He will lead those who take hold of Him in faith to their heavenly home, where there will be no more questions and no more fears.
Frightening feeling isn’t it? A couple of years ago we made one wrong turn off a freeway in Los Angeles, and we didn’t have any idea what city we were in, or what way to go. Happily, we could stop and ask someone, or look at the street signs and compare them to our map.
Children often get lost, without even knowing it. They wander away from their parents, oblivious to the separation, and drift to the toy department, after the puppy on the beach, or whatever. Taken up with what grabbed their interest, they are unaware that mom and dad are even looking for them, at least until they are found.
Spiritually, there is the condition of being lost. The Bible says that “We like sheep have all gone astray, everyone has turned to his own way...”
All have wandered from the Father. We were born that way, adrift from His will, not interested in walking with Him, and are therefore excluded from the heavenly home that He desires to share with us for eternity.
Like the physically lost, some may know their condition. Perhaps there is panic inside, and an effort to convince themselves that “I’ll be okay.” Yet deep inside, the questions nag, “Am I alone? Does anyone care?”
Others are not aware that they are lost from God. They are so caught up in the “toy departments” of life that their separation from Him goes unnoticed. Aware or not, God’s Word confirms that the lost cannot, and will not, find their way to Him by themselves.
Thankfully, He is not oblivious to our condition. He knows where we are, even before we know ourselves, and He knows we need His help to get out of the “wilderness.” So He sent Jesus Christ “to seek and to save those who are lost”, and to declare “I am the way... no man comes to the Father but through me.” His Son is the rescuer - as well as the way home.
If you have ever been physically lost, you know what joy you had when you were at last safe. The fears and questions were over, and you relaxed in the comfort of being home.
The spiritually lost are also invited to experience peace and joy - by the Lord of the lost sheep, Jesus Christ, as He reaches out to find us and show us that He is the Way to the Father. Eventually He will lead those who take hold of Him in faith to their heavenly home, where there will be no more questions and no more fears.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Pity Parties .................................... Parables 046
“I’m quitting.”
I say that several times while having a pity-party. Sometimes I think that I want to escape the endless routine of dishes, laundry, and mending. Life is just too much. Or the phone rings too often, or not often enough, or the responsibilities add up, or people don’t treat me right, or whatever the issue - the blame goes out and discouragement comes in.
In the middle of one of these pity-parties, I decided to tackle the topic of discouragement.
The first thought, just from looking at the word, is that a person who is “discouraged” must be the opposite of someone who “has courage.” A verse I’d memorized about courage came to mind, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)
Hmm. That is interesting. People who have something on their conscience, who are guilty about something, can feel afraid, even when there is nothing to be afraid of. But what does that verse have to do with me?
My mind returned to discouragement . . . my lack of courage. Where does it come from? When I feel like fleeing or running away, is there something to run from? Are there newer, bigger problems, or just the same old ones? I had to admit that this time the problems were the same as always, or at least similar.
Then I asked myself, are there more difficulties than usual? Again, I had to admit not. But the same problems didn’t bother me yesterday.
That verse from Proverbs was bugging me. But discouragement isn’t fear, I argued. So I looked up discouragement in the dictionary. It said, “to weaken the courage or lessen the confidence . . . ” Sounded like fear to me.
It is amazing the excuses that I came up with before I decided to quit making excuses. I needed to examine myself and see if there was some guilt that made me feel like running away from home. Had I allowed something in my life that God called wicked? Sure enough, it was easy to recall, as soon as I was willing to remember . . . I had responded sinfully to someone, and needed to put that right. My desire to flee was rooted in me, not in my problems.
It is never fun apologizing to God or to people, but God always forgives when we genuinely confess, and people are usually gracious enough to say something like “I never even noticed, but I forgive you anyway.” Both responded faithfully.
The feelings of wanting to quit left immediately. It hurt to hit them at their roots, but the discomfort of admitting I was wrong was worth the results that followed.
Being discouraged, feeling sorry for myself, and wanting to quit are not my idea of fun. In fact, I enjoy my work, even enjoy tackling the variety of problems that come my way.
Being bold as a lion is exciting too. It makes pity-parties lose all their charm.
I say that several times while having a pity-party. Sometimes I think that I want to escape the endless routine of dishes, laundry, and mending. Life is just too much. Or the phone rings too often, or not often enough, or the responsibilities add up, or people don’t treat me right, or whatever the issue - the blame goes out and discouragement comes in.
In the middle of one of these pity-parties, I decided to tackle the topic of discouragement.
The first thought, just from looking at the word, is that a person who is “discouraged” must be the opposite of someone who “has courage.” A verse I’d memorized about courage came to mind, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)
Hmm. That is interesting. People who have something on their conscience, who are guilty about something, can feel afraid, even when there is nothing to be afraid of. But what does that verse have to do with me?
My mind returned to discouragement . . . my lack of courage. Where does it come from? When I feel like fleeing or running away, is there something to run from? Are there newer, bigger problems, or just the same old ones? I had to admit that this time the problems were the same as always, or at least similar.
Then I asked myself, are there more difficulties than usual? Again, I had to admit not. But the same problems didn’t bother me yesterday.
That verse from Proverbs was bugging me. But discouragement isn’t fear, I argued. So I looked up discouragement in the dictionary. It said, “to weaken the courage or lessen the confidence . . . ” Sounded like fear to me.
It is amazing the excuses that I came up with before I decided to quit making excuses. I needed to examine myself and see if there was some guilt that made me feel like running away from home. Had I allowed something in my life that God called wicked? Sure enough, it was easy to recall, as soon as I was willing to remember . . . I had responded sinfully to someone, and needed to put that right. My desire to flee was rooted in me, not in my problems.
It is never fun apologizing to God or to people, but God always forgives when we genuinely confess, and people are usually gracious enough to say something like “I never even noticed, but I forgive you anyway.” Both responded faithfully.
The feelings of wanting to quit left immediately. It hurt to hit them at their roots, but the discomfort of admitting I was wrong was worth the results that followed.
Being discouraged, feeling sorry for myself, and wanting to quit are not my idea of fun. In fact, I enjoy my work, even enjoy tackling the variety of problems that come my way.
Being bold as a lion is exciting too. It makes pity-parties lose all their charm.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Death ......................... Parables 011
“Seems as if a lot of people are dying these days . . .” — the statement of a 14-year-old, his mind somewhat numbed by pictures of the wreckage strewn over the Atlantic and then over the wooded hills near Hinton. He was wondering why.
We wonder too, briefly and then we go about life as usual. There is something in each one of us that blocks thoughts of death. We can imagine ourselves in pain, suffering, or maybe with the loss of some limbs, but since we don’t want to think about that, we usually don’t let our minds wander to even that subject. When the news seems to be filled with tragic death, few people think, “That could have been me.” Few . . . and not for long.
Death, especially sudden death, is unimaginable, undesirable, and hardly the favorite dinner-party topic of conversation. We’ll discuss all kinds of other horrible certainties, uncertainties, and other unpleasant things, but that one is so final, so mysterious, and all too inescapable. After all, every society has a death rate of 100%.
The book of Ecclesiastes says that “no man has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death.” (8:8) Certainly that is why it is so disdained in conversation, so rejected from our thought life. We cannot control death. Nor can we stop it, or change it. And for some, both on the train and in the shuttle, there isn’t even a moment to anticipate it. One minute there is life, the next . . .
God says something about death that startles me upon first reading. “Blessed are the dead which dieth in the Lord . . . ” (Revelation 14:13). The Bible affirms that anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is in Christ, and that anyone who believes in the Son of God has Christ in Him, and because of that, has eternal life already. This eternal life does not begin after this life is over. It begins the moment a person truly believes.
“This then is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life, and he who has not the Son of God has not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:11-13).
Maybe there is someone who reads this column that is thinking about death. Thoughts that used to be easily pushed aside somehow no longer stay away. And there is no assurance, only fear, fear of what comes after that, fear of the event itself. Hebrews 2 gives good news: Jesus Christ became a man so that, by the grace of God, he could taste death for every man. Through His death, He destroyed him that had the power of death, and delivers them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Yes, a lot of people are dying these days. Some suddenly, some tragically, some slowly, some painfully, yet some who die physically never really die. In Christ, they are ready to meet that enemy without fear, because He, the One who conquered death, did it so that those who believe merely change their place of residence.
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