Fear vs. Hope

Hurricane Patricia (is that an appropriate name, or what?) has brought much fear to many dreading destruction of property and possible loss of life. Catastrophic cataclysms in the natural world cause humanity great trepidation because we are totally powerless in the face of them. Our modern technological advances can do little other than warn us that hurricanes, mud-slides, sinkholes, erupting volcanoes, or earthquakes are about to take place or have already done so.

Fear can be a crippling part of life to Christ-followers and non-believers alike. I just read a newsletter from friends involved with Wycliffe Bible Translators. The newsletter featured the story of an isolated tribe in Papua New Guinea who have lived in constant fear of evil spirits for centuries. When the New Testament was translated into their heart language, they began to understand that Jesus Christ was greater than any evil spirit. The freedom they realized from believing in the God of the Bible totally freed them from fear.

It’s easy for us here in the USA to pooh-pooh the idea of evil spirits because, for the most part, our eyes are closed to them. But Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, as well as other books in the New Testament, warned his readers that we are not in a battle with flesh and blood (human beings) but in a battle with spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12)

Here’s the good news. Just because there are forces out there we can’t see that are stronger than we are, doesn’t mean we have to be fearful. I John 4:4 tells us “greater is He that is in us, than he (satan) that is in the world.”

Sarah Young writes in her book, Jesus Calling (based partially on Psalm 21:6) for October 22—“…remember that I (Jesus) have created this day; it is not a chance occurrence. Recall that I am present with you whether you sense my presence or not. Then, start talking with Me about whatever is on your mind. Rejoice in the fact that I understand you perfectly and I know exactly what you are experiencing.”

I’ve been slowly re-reading I John and was struck by some fantastic words in verses 17-19 of chapter 4 which are introduced with the awesome statement—“God is love.”  Because of His love made complete in us, “we can have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world, we are like Him (full of love, not fear). Vs. 18—“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment….” Vs. 19—“We love Him because He first loved us.”

Two thousand years ago, Jesus calmed a sea that threatened to capsize the boat He and His disciples were sailing. He can do the same for a category 5 storm or the most vicious life circumstance we face. Dare we hope in such a great possibility? I think so.