FAITH OR FEAR?

When Mario Marini, a famous Italian painter and sculptor, was young, he fashioned a series of figures of men on horses. The first one he sculpted appeared young, strong, fierce, formidable, and triumphant: all were expressions of extreme confidence. But, as he continued his series of bronze figures, each rider and horse appear to become less confident and certain of being victorious. The last characters in the series portray a rider and his horse frozen in terror.

When asked about the way his series changed from triumph to terror, he replied, “That is because I believe that we are approaching the time of a sorry end to this world.”

How different for the Christian! Rather than fear, we have faith. In place of horror, we have hope. Because of our God, we know that we shall be given eternal life through Christ our Savior and Lord, and we will be with Him throughout eternity.

How blest we are to have the words of the Psalmist: “Even though I will walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I do not need to be possessed by fear, for You, Creator of life, are with me to protect me!”

Our Savior will guide us and guard us and grant us victory when days are dim and dark. But, thankfully, one day, we will also say with the Psalmist, “Your goodness and unending kindness has been with me all of my life, and afterward, I will live with You in Your home – forever!”

Prayer:  Grant us, Father, Your peace that passes all understanding, and the assurance that You are the God of all comfort, so that we will not fear the threats of life or death. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23