Fear Not, Fear God Series
For Reading and Meditation throughout the series:
Matthew 10: verses 16-31
Important verse:
Verse 28: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Part 3....Comfort
Although it must be emphasised that God wants us to fear Him and so be freed from our other fears, there are times that we will not live up to this ideal. We are weak vessels. Jesus is able to sympathise with our weaknesses (Heb 4:15) and so be willing and able to help.
Usually the grace that we need to face a particular situation will not become evident until we are actually in that situation. We cannot pre-empt every possible eventuality, but we can be confident that our Lord will give us “mercy and...grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). We can approach Him boldly to ask for this Divine assistance.
There are times when we will find ourselves fearful, but even in these times we can take comfort. When the disciples were in the boat and saw Jesus walking towards them on the water, they did not recognise Him, but were “terrified”. What was Jesus’ response? “Do not be afraid, it is I!” He will comfort us when we need it.
Our struggles in this area, as in other areas, can be used by God at some future time in order that we can minister to others. In Phil 2:1,2 Paul writes: “If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
We can be overcomers. We can have full confidence in Christ. We can comfort and support one another. We do have the most wonderful promises. Love does overcome fear.
