A Reminder from God

God moments: occasions when circumstances line up in our lives which could only have been orchestrated by God. My God moment this week involves a sentiment we all may have since the Paris attacks: fear.

I was asked to lead an upcoming Advent devotion based on Mary’s visit by the angel Gabriel and chose to focus on the feeling of fear Mary experienced. In order to research this more, fear became the topic for our monthly Bible study. In all of this, God proved to me again His power and perfect timing.  As we finished the Bible study and I posted it on the blog, a few hours later we heard of the attacks in Paris. I am confident God wanted us to study what His Word says about fear knowing we’d be feeling it later that day.

The Bible study barely scratches the surface of how often fear is discussed and the phrase “do not be afraid” is in the Bible.  But the theme God wants us to understand is crystal clear:  He is in control and we should always trust Him who gives life and lives within us, more than our fears.

One of my favorite songs lately is Same Power by Jeremy Camp.  It’s an anthem celebrating the power of God living within us. In the middle of the song (the bridge I believe it’s called) are the words:

“Greater is He that is living in me, he’s conquered our enemy.  No power of darkness, no weapon prevails, we stand here in victory.” 

What a powerful expression of God’s Word reminding us of His ultimate victory!

As I watch the world respond to these attacks, it feels as though the terrorists have stolen from all of us.  Our freedom and comfort to go and do what we want in this world is being chipped away.  But I know my faith is stronger than my feelings. Jesus reminds us of this in His encouragement and warning to the disciples as He sent them out to tell others of Him:

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”         ~  Matthew 10:26-31

Let us not be afraid for we are valuable to God.  Some may try to steal our peace or hurt our bodies, but God has our souls. Our eternity in secure in Jesus’ victory over death and the evil in this world.

About a month ago driving girls home from soccer practice, we played the song Same Power in the car.  The girls and I sang this song at the top of our lungs, having fun and singing of our freedom in Him.  This is what Jesus is speaking of and what we should all do:  not be afraid of things or people of this world-especially those who want to destroy our freedom, peace and trust in God.

This is not to say we shouldn’t be alert, diligent and practical in an increasingly small and sometimes unsafe world.  But it does remind us of Who wins the ultimate battle and of the power that lives within us.

Trust in the God who has numbered the hairs on your head.  Choose to abide in your faith in the one true God; the same power that rose Jesus from the grave truly does live in us.  That same Power gives us faith, hope, peace and yes, God moments to remind us to be unafraid and trust Who is in control.