For most of this year there has been non-stop talk about the “Pandemic” that has gripped much of the world’s population with FEAR. As you may know, FEAR shuts down one’s ability to think clearly and make sound decisions, thus rendering him easily manipulated and controlled. Given the fact that such fear has done far more damage than the virus itself, the true Pandemic has been one of FEAR and COWARDICE.
You probably know 2 Timothy 1:7 from memory: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The Mirror Study Bible translates this verse as follows: “Become fully acquainted with his gift in you; there is nothing timid about it; the dynamic of a mind liberated in the spirit of love is fearless and unstoppable.”
In the above verse, the Greek word for fear means “cowardice” or “timidity.” In English, “timidity” means “lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed.” It is shocking that far too many Christians have joined the ranks of those who have so weakly given into the fear of COVID-19 and surrendered too many of their “inalienable rights.”
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather acting bravely despite the fear you feel. You can do what is right even while you are afraid. Better to do it afraid than to do it not. Furthermore, as we make that a habit, much of our fear dissipates, especially that which is False Evidence Appearing Real. As we face our Adversary’s onslaught today, it is well worth bringing to mind what God told Joshua about the daunting task set before him when he assumed the leadership role with Israel after Moses’ death:
Joshua 1:6-9 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Verse 8 shows that holding the WORD OF GOD in your heart is the key to obeying it no matter the circumstances, or whatever fallout ensues. How often have I allowed fear to seal my lips, thus depriving another human being of the Truth that would set him free? Too often. That’s because in my SELF-consciousness (which leads to spiritual UN-consciousness) I am more concerned about what others think of me than what they think of Jesus Christ. I must “take up my Cross,” die to the Unholy Trinity of me, my-SELF, and I, and live for the Lord and those he loves and wants to reach. And how much better do I feel when I do so than when I don’t!
Never forget that YOU ARE THE ONLY YOU GOD HAS. Therefore, only you can do what the Lord Jesus sets before you in his personal curriculum for you. The “kairos moments” of our lives (Gal. 6:10) are opportunities to do/say the right thing at the time for/to the right person. But “opportunities pass,” and we cannot retrieve those moments for “do-overs.” The words of God that Mordecai said to Esther are encouragingly pertinent to our day-by-day walk with the Lord, and the “times” that present themselves to us.
Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
God’s comforting words to Israel in Isaiah 41:10 certainly pertain to us also: “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.” And we have our Lord Jesus holding our other hand! Let’s make a commitment to CRUSH FEAR in our lives and be “valiant for the truth” (Jer. 9:3).
