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Pastor’s Corner: Despite their fear

By Staff | Mar 28, 2014

There is an old story of two men walking down the street. They got to a mysterious looking fence, and on the other side of that fence they heard a group of people chanting, “21, 21, 21” The first man said, “I wonder what they are chanting about?” The second man said why don’t you peak through that hole in the fence and look?” The first man said, “I am not going to peak, I am afraid!” The second man said, “Don’t be such a baby,” and then he looked through the hole. As soon as he put his face to the fence someone from the other side poked him in the eye and then the group started chanting, “22, 22, 22”

Have you ever been afraid to do something? They say that the number one fear in America is public speaking. The second fear is death. That means that at a funeral most people would rather be in the casket than speaking to the crowd!

The Bible tells us that we have not been given a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). There is an amazing account of conquering our fears in the book of Ezra. The book of Ezra records the Israelites heading back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Before they had any materials or plans, they knew that they should build an altar to God so they could worship Him. Ezra chapter three records that Israelites decided they would build an altar right away “despite their fear.” The Hebrew word used for fear in this chapter is “yr,” which is better translated as “dreadful fear.” They were petrified to build this altar. Why? Well, they were in a foreign land (Israel was just coming back to Jerusalem), they had no way to protect themselves or their families, and what if they were making the wrong decision?

The fact of the matter is, you and I may be petrified to share our faith, to go live a courageous life, but Christ reminds us in Matthew to not worry about our bodies, but rather worry about our souls. God has not given us a spirit of fear. If you feel fear to do what God has called you to, step out anyway. You were called to be more than a conqueror, and even if fear comes upon you, it isn’t yours, because your spirit is powerful, loving, and of a sound mind!

Your friend

and brother,

Jason