Fear not, part 3

From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Fear not, part 3

From the introduction to part 1- Fear is an emotion we experience more often than we would admit. Sometimes, it is concerning "small" things, such as fearing you might not have quite enough gas to make it to the gas station. Other times, it arises from something much larger, such as a car suddenly swerving head on into our path as we drive along. It almost always, though, stems from our realized inability to do anything about the situation, a sudden helplessness we experience towards the danger we face at that moment. Some try to handle their fear like the imagined way an ostrich does (it's not true about them, though), by "hiding their head in the sand." Others put out a false bravado, saying "I'm not afraid of that!" No matter how we try to handle it, the fear remains, for we know inside we really cannot handle it on our own. Many times the Bible reveals examples of people experiencing fear, but God never recommends the person suffering it handle it themselves. HE always recommends looking to Him, reminding them and us HE can and will handle anything if we look to Him for help and deliverance. I want to give a series of messages dealing with several of these Biblical examples, so we can learn to apply them to ourselves as we face similar events or situations.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 (KJV) Man is the favored part of God's creation, but He cares for every part HE has made. Even the little sparrow is important to Him, as the old Gospel song says, "His eye is on the sparrow." Man, though, is so important to Him, HE even keeps up with the very number of hairs on our heads. HE intently watches over us, so HE comforts us by telling us to fear not, I'm watching and protecting you! Nothing comes at us without His knowledge and HE holds us in His hands. As we are told in John, chapter 10, we are in His hands and nothing can pluck us out of His hands. We truly have every reason to fear not!

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:5-6 (KJV) Dawn was just appearing and these women were in an out of the way place, with seemingly terrible things having occurred over the last 48 hours. I'm sure their nerves were on edge as they approached the cemetery, but they doggedly went on, desiring to do what they thought was a final service of love for their beloved Jesus. Jesus loved them, and sent His angel to them to remove their fears. If you are in a dark and scary place in your life as you seek to serve Him, take heed to the angel's words, fear not!, for your Savior is not a dead martyr, but a risen King, triumphant over all those scary things of life and even death. Fear not!

And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. (Luke 5:10 (KJV) Once again, these disciples were face to face with the supernatural. Professional fishermen who had just toiled all night, using all their skills and experience doing their job, with nothing to show for it, yet this "carpenter", a man from a field far removed from the fishing industry, was now telling them to "try it his way", and, suddenly their net was overflowing so much they called their business partners to bring the other boat, then their net overflowed also! This really "spooked" these guys; it was scary! They had already given up for the day, busily cleaning their fishing equipment, when Jesus came walking up, got into their boat, and asked them to row Him out a little ways because the crowds were pressing all around Him as HE preached on the shore. Andrew and Peter did what Jesus asked, then when HE finished His message, HE gave them the advice to cast their nets once again. Do you see what was going on? These men obeyed Jesus, although His requests cut into their "comfort zone", went counter to their wisdom gained from experience, and required some extra effort from them. Obedience brought blessing, and suddenly they realized they didn't know so much. They had encountered One Who knew far more than them and it scared them! One again, Jesus used those familiar words of His comfort, "fear not!" and told them HE was about to really change their lives! Have you been trying to obey God and found your life entering into "new territory?" Are you scared by what's happening? Jesus says to you, "fear not!, I'm working something new in you!" Relax, you can trust Him; just continue trusting and obeying; let Him have His way. Don't be scared; HE knows what He's doing; fear not!!!