Fearful to Fearless through FAITH!

The unknown. So many things are yet, unknown. Mankind has discovered so many marvelous details and yet, so much remains unknown. If only we could create “it” we can know the essence of “it”. But mankind’s creations continue to be the amalgamation of existing elements. We may utilize them, but not create them. And so the essence of our “creations” remain unknown.

For some the unknown creates exhilaration and anticipation. For others unknown can bring about equal measures of anxiety and fear.

“When I applied my mind to know wisdom, and to see the business activity [and the painful effort] that takes place upon the earth, how neither day nor night some men’s eyes sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun; because however much a man may toil in seeking, yet he will not find out; yes, more than that, though a wise man things and claims he knows, yet will he not be able to find it out.” - Ecclesiastes 8:16,17

It is sanctimoniously naive to boastfully say, “I have no fear, I need no God; nothing affects me, “Que, sera, sera”. There are too many evidences to even list wherein those who might appear to take a fatalistic view of life, “what will be will be”, make use of every possible means to sustain it; if not for themselves, for the well-being of those they love. Emergency rooms, therapy groups, rehab organizations are full to overflowing with individuals sincerely searching for whatever “it” may be that will ease their hearts and minds - if only for a moment of peace.

“Do not gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light. But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness! No one can SERVE two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot SERVE God and mammon [that is, deceitful riches, money, possessions or what is trusted in]. THEREFORE, I tell you, STOP BEING PERPETUALLY UNEASY (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, and about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet, your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are YOU not worthy of more than they? And [for that matter] which of you by worrying and being anxious can add one measure [cubit] to his stature or to the span of his life? And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you men with little faith? THEREFORE do not worry and be anxious, saying, “What are we going to have to eat?” Or, “What are we going to have to drink?” Or, “What are we going to have to wear?” ... But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and THEN all these things, taken together, will be given YOU besides.” -Matthew 6:19:34

There are several key points to be made here. 1. We must get our priorities in order and not become the servant of two (or more) masters. It is by no means wrong to strive to be productive, to use our God-given talent(s) to excel and become successful. But has this drive become our master? Is there room for the God of creation in our “business plan” for life? 2. Simply being admonished to STOP in itself becomes frustrating if we are not given the means by which to STOP. Nevertheless, we are admonished to do so. What is the tool given to us to accomplish this task? 3. “O you men with little faith”. FAITH is the key component to successfully turn way from being “perpetually uneasy” and “worrying and being anxious”. 4. But where does this FAITH begin? By aiming at and striving after His way of doing and being right. By seeking HIM Who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Knowing personally the Author makes understanding the Book and the plan so much more fulfilling. The Bible clearly records the following:

“All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned EVERY ONE to his own way; and the Lord has made to light on Him the guilt and iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:6

Who is the “Him” spoken of in Isaiah?

“For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as in an examples of] the righteousness of God - what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

It is not enough to make mental acknowledgement of these verses. It is imperative that we make personal application of their truths, through committed and unwavering faith in Christ - and therefore apply His act of substitutionary love to our account unto salvation. At that point, although we still possess the frailties of man, the fears, doubts, and anxieties common to everyone, we have a promise:

“Casting the whole of your care - all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all - on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully. Be well-balanced - temperate, sober-minded; be vigilant and cautious at all times, for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset], rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined - knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace - Who imparts all blessings and favor - Who has called your to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, established, and ground you securely, and strengthen (and settle) you. To HIM be the dominion - power, authority, rule - forever and ever. Amen - so be it!” - 1 Peter 5:7-11

Today, why go it alone? Turn it over to Jesus - in fact, turn it all (your life and forever) to Him.

Have a super day!