Fear is an odd emotion. In some people it causes confusion, in others, strength. In Christians, however, fear too often causes us to cry, ”Surrender." It seems that in some cases when a trial presents itself we cower in a dark corner, waving our white flag. Christians repeatedly surrender to the enemy before the first shot of the battle has ever been fired.
Jehoshaphat was a mighty man of valor. Courageous, strong, and most of all, a man that fear the Lord God. One day, Jehoshaphat received word that three armies were joining together to besiege his kingdom. This strong, valiant, man of war is recorded to have feared (II Chron. 20:2), yet the story does not stop there. Instead of allowing his fear to drive him to surrender, Jehoshaphat ”. . . set himself to seek the LORD . . ." (II Chron. 20:3) and he found God. He did not care what it looked like or what was said about him. Jehoshaphat took no thought of these things, for he believed God when He said: ”. . . Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." (II Chron. 20:15)
In the face of an almost certain slaughter Israel did not run nor hide, nay, but they stood fast in their faith and saw the salvation of God. With joy of victory (before the battle) and songs of worship, all Israel praised the beauty of holiness (II Chron. 20:21) instead of crying bitter shouts of war. That day God delivered the enemy into the hands of His chosen and elect.
All through out the Bible we are inspired by the dogged determination of the people of God, yet do we ever stop to think that they were human just like you and I. Most feared for their lives in these stories. Only they did not allow fear to take them captive in its hands of torment and destruction. They instead, used fear to help them find God’s will in their time of need. Remember Noah? Paul told us in Hebrews that, ”By faith Noah, being . . . MOVED WITH FEAR, prepared an ark to the saving of his house;" (Heb. 11:7)
It is so uplifting to the spirit to read these great stories of strength in time of weakness, boldness in time of trials, and courage in time of fear. Yet, God’s Word never leaves any loose ends. We can also read how fear caused people to run from, instead of, to God for guidance. For example, the servant with the one talent. He knew that his master was a hard man, reaping where he sowed not, and gathering where he had not strawed (Matt. 25:24). Yet we find that this evil servant, moved with fear, hid his master’s talent and put it not into the hands of the money changers. The servant then tried to justify his wicked actions by his decision made in fear. (Matt. 25:25)
So, we see that fear, using our very own natures, leads us into action. Either positive or negative. We must, by faith in Christ Jesus, decide our destiny. Will we cower and be held captive by the guards of indecision in the prison of fear, or will we believe the words of our Savior Jesus Christ? ”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) |
