Are You Afraid?
Are You Afraid?
Are you afraid? Of life? Death? Everything in between?
Are you afraid that people will not give you the respect or recognition that you deserve? Do you fear social failure, financial failure, serious illness or a really bad accident? Are you afraid you might be the victim of theft, assault or murder?
Life is so full of things that make us afraid, and our own efforts to eliminate them are far from successful.
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn. 14:27 niv). And the apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything” (Phil. 4:6).
Have you ever given God a chance in your life? Have you ever asked Jesus Christ, God’s Son, to come into your life and take control of it? He will take away your fears and replace them with love, joy and peace. The apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts our fear” (1 Jn. 4:18). The “perfect love” John is writing about is God’s love.
Why does the Bible tell us not to be afraid, worried, upset or anxious when there are so many dangers? There’s only one reason – because God is still in control. He is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful and always there. God can help in every situation. Nothing can happen without His permission.
It’s true that God allows some things to happen to teach us the dreadful consequences of sin and rebellion. Sad to say, many of us never learn. But for those who do learn, and decide to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord, God does not allow anything to happen to them unless it is for their good.
The Bible tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Rom. 8:28). Whether it is failing health, an accident, a loss, or a host of other problems, God has a definite purpose in allowing them. And although we may not fully understand, He helps us to know that they are ultimately for our good.
If you allow Jesus Christ to save you and to be Lord of your life, He will help you overcome your fears. But if you do not accept Him as your Savior and Lord, then you have every reason to be afraid in this life – and especially afraid of death and what comes after death.
The Bible tells us that “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Heb. 9:27). That’s the bad news. But the good news is this: “God demonstrates His own love toward us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
So how can you overcome your fears? How can you stop being afraid? Admit you are a sinner. Confess your sins to Jesus Christ. Invite Him right now to take control of your life. We can tell you how!
Jesus is the only one who can help you overcome your fears. He is the only one who can give you the love, joy and peace you are seeking. He is the only one who can get you through this life and into heaven.
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33).
By Sam Hadley