Do not be Afraid
Good morning brethren, I like to write on a biblical verse “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God…” (Daniel 10:19A). We know that words are powerful, they can cut, hurt, and harm, but they can also bring a deep sense of security, words can speak healing into pain. Unfortunately, there are times when it feels like one is going through a dark tunnel, a sense of abandonment and deep loneliness. When the thought of hope will just seem far like a state of hopelessness, you become vulnerable like one walking on the edge of a cliff, thinking even a tiny breeze of struggle could bring you down. In moments of darkness, what we need is an intervention, a few words empowered with love. In this story Daniel felt a complete loss of strength, in that moment he suddenly had an encounter with the divine. Daniel was a man who knows God, he interpreted dreams, saw visions, was wise. Daniel saw an unusual, and unexplainable vision that frightened him (Daniel 10:5-9). In his fear, a gentle hand pulls him up, tells him how precious he is and then the ‘man’ goes on to explain. In the words “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
Perhaps I should ask what words you will like to hear especially if we are to be in your dark or trying times? A still voice that says “you are known, you are loved, you are precious, you are not alone, you can do this. Fear, anxiety, worry are displaced by the awareness of being known by someone greater than yourself. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah “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." (Isaiah 41:10). As humans, we will get often physical because the soul and the spirit lives in the physical body, you will worry about your children, worry about a loved one who may be unwell. And of course can become fearful about your health, or your finances. You may worry about all sorts of things, big and small.
Please note that God is aware of our tendency to fear and He cares about every fear we face. As believers we are to dwell on God’s truths and His character because God has promised to go through our trials with us (Psalm 46:1-3). As you focus on God please remember these words God has promised He will never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6), God is never surprised by your circumstances because He knows your future (Jeremiah 29:11), Remind yourself of all God has done for you, God can work your circumstances out for good (Romans 8:28) and remind yourself that God is bigger than whatever you fear. Please take courage on the scripture of Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” The Lord will truly help us in Jesus’s name! Today is Go mend Sunday and also baby dedication. Service is for 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike