FACING FEAR

General Jimmy Doolittle was the first pilot to fly an airplane relying only on the aircraft’s instruments. He is also the one who led the impossible, yet successful, raid on Tokyo in World War II. On one occasion he said to his crew, “I can honestly say that I have never felt fear.”

Fear grips us when we sense an impending danger, a situation that might harm or destroy our well-being. Fear comes to us when we feel or sense that a situation is beyond our control. Fear can be either helpful or harmful.

On one occasion David said, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

In other words, David was saying, “How much damage or harm can people do to me if my trust is in the Lord?” People can try to destroy our reputation. They can make statements that hurt us. They can inflict pain and suffering and even death. But they cannot destroy our relationship with God or remove our name from the Book of Life.

God has given each of us complete responsibility to accept or reject His salvation. We have the power of choice within the grace of God to trust Him for our salvation and the privilege of being with Him in eternity. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those…who can kill your body. They cannot touch your soul.” Our only fear should be of God who controls this life and the one to come.

Prayer:  We thank You, Lord, for being a God whom we can trust and whose Word endures forever. We are grateful that we trust in You and never be afraid. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4