God Notions

Luke 12

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

I was watching a movie about prisoners of war. It showed how horrible the conditions were for them: rotten food, beatings, barely any protection from the elements, really just a “cage” to keep them in, if one got sick enough, waiting for death was the only cure. In one scene, the barracks caught on fire, locked in from the outside. The prisoners were in a frenzy to get out. I thought, how is it that they would rather live in those conditions then die and be free.

The Israelites suffered greatly in Egypt, yet they would have chosen to go back to Egypt. They had forgotten what God had done for them: at the Passover, the Red Sea, and in the desert: providing shelter from the sun, fire at night for protection and warmth, water and manna.

How can it be that I, too, am afraid of suffering and pain? I know what God has done for His creation and humanity. Still, I wonder, I pray: When faced with pain and suffering, Will I remember what God has done for me and not fear what is happening to me?

What hope do I have to overcome this fear? My answer was in a song I  sang in worship this week. ” for every fear; there is an empty grave”. I had forgotten to remember.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

I will remember the reason for my faith in Christ Jesus. There is an empty grave.

I will remember God keeps His promises, always.

I will remember Christ has authority over all because He is Creator of all.

I will remember He did not leave us as orphans.

Holy Spirit,

Please shore me up when I am weak. Please help me to see and to live as a beloved child of the Father.

Fill me, live through me, do not let me extinguish your promptings.

Help me to be brave and courageous in my obedience to Christ.