"Fearless Living"
Oct. 12, 2019
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
— Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Do you want a life of fear or faith? If you opt for faith, hold on to Jesus tightly.
To give us a courageous life is why Jesus was born among us. That's why He fulfilled the Law and prophecy. That's why He allowed Himself to be captured and crucified. He rose from the dead and offers forgiveness to all who know Him as Lord and Savior. But He also wanted to give all who believe in Him a bonus: a life of faith and not fear.
Let me tell you about a lady who saw her share of heartache and worry but had learned to trust in Jesus. She lost her husband and buried two children. She wasn't wealthy or beautiful. She had crippling arthritis and was rarely healthy. When her time came to leave this world, she held on to Jesus. Holding on to Him, she was admitted to the hospital.
During her final week, she dreamt of her Savior and the reunion He promised with friends and family waiting for her in heaven. Upon waking she was disappointed; she couldn't understand why God was keeping her around. After all, she said she wasn't helping anybody. Ha! That's what she thought. Three shifts of nurses, numerous doctors, and many other staff members knew otherwise. They saw the peace a Christian has when they hold on to Jesus in faith. She introduced them to a God who conquers fear.
Truth be told I've never seen so many hospital staff at a funeral, before or since. Why did they come? They came because they saw Jesus destroy the fear that can cripple a person's life. They had seen His power in a dying Christian lady, and they wanted the same comfort and hope for themselves. They wanted a life of faith, not fear. I hope they found it.
So, the question remains: "Will your life be one of fear or faith?" If you're the adult child of an abusive parent and you're afraid you can't break the cycle with your own children, Jesus says, "Do not be afraid. I am here." If you're on the streets after leaving home to escape a bad situation there, Jesus is saying, "Do not be afraid. I am here." If you're a senior worried about being alone, unwanted, and unneeded, Jesus says, "Do not be afraid. I am here."
If you're married and afraid your vows of faithfulness are fading like the mist, lean on Jesus. His words, "Do not be afraid," can allow you to forgive, rebuild, and rediscover hope and love. If you're an unmarried mother worried about your child growing up without a father, come to Jesus with your little one. Hear Him say, "Do not be afraid. I will give you guidance."
Today is the day the Holy Spirit is calling you to introduce you to the Savior. His Name is Jesus. If you don't know Him, call on Him. If you do know Him, draw closer.
Jesus offers you a new life—courageous, inspired, and given by God Himself.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, comfort us when we falter and fail. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we live victoriously by faith in Your Son, our Savior. In His Name we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever met a person whose faith truly transcended his or her circumstances?
- What noticeable characteristics might you see in a person with an assured or confident faith?
- What sorts of things make you most fearful? Does your faith counteract these concerns, or do they persist as unresolved issues in your life?
From "Fear and Faith," a sermon excerpt from Rev. Ken Klaus, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever met a person whose faith truly transcended his or her circumstances?
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