Seriously? Does she really think this is how Christians deal with trials?
I would, however, speak biblical truth to him – comfort with
teeth. And a backbone.
I would speak one of the most common phrases in the Bible, “Fear
not.” But I wouldn’t stop there.
You see, “Fear not,” even when it comes from the Bible, isn’t
enough. “Fear not” is only half the story. God’s repeated command to his children
is powerful because of what comes after
the command.
When we face times of trial, sickness, or loss, it isn’t
enough to hear someone (even God) say, “Don’t be afraid.” We need to know why we don’t have to be afraid.
Thankfully, when God challenges us not to be afraid, he also
tells us why.
Listen:
"Do not be afraid, (insert your name here). I am your shield, your very great reward."
(Gen. 15:1).
“Fear not, for I am
with you,” (Gen. 26:24).
“Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he
will never leave you nor forsake you," (Deu. 31:6).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and
help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” (Isa. 41:10).
When God says, “Fear not” to his children, he backs it up
with offers of his help, presence, and protection. No matter what comes into
our lives, we don’t have to be afraid, because God is our advocate. Whatever we
face, we’ll face with him. And he is a mighty powerful ally.
Will he protect me from every sad, bad, hard trial? No. As
long as we live in this sinful, broken world, we will have tribulation. “But be
of good cheer,” Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.”
"Do not be afraid,” he commands in the final book of the Bible, “I am the First and the Last,” (Rev. 1:17). In the end all will be made right. In the meantime, God will walk beside me into every trial I face. And with him by my side, I need not be afraid.
To my friend who called me a Pollyanna, I say, that’s powerful comfort – comfort with teeth. And a backbone.
For some musical reinforcement of "Fear Not," I know you'll enjoy Keith and Kristyn Geddy's "Consider the Stars." If you're reading by email and can't see the video, click here to listen to "Consider the Stars" on YouTube.
