Day Fifteen
Fearless - Provident
Proverbs 31:21...She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet...
We live in a time, in this nation, where the word 'education' has become idolatry. At any given time you will hear that we need to be educated about alcoholism, mammograms, depression, violence, cancer, sex, Aids, or political issues; that we need more awareness about gun control, terrorism, air quality, pollution, the rain forest, ecology, ozone, nutrition, diet and exercise. And during election year, this word is spoken with regularity, accompanied by many promises. While attending a luncheon in Chicago one day, a woman who has a landscaping business told those sitting around her that they needed to be educated about Prairie Grass. But as the calls continue to go out for more education, what is the fruit?
We also live at a time, in this nation, where masses of people take anti-depressant medications for anxiety and fear. The diagnosis, chemical imbalance, covers a multitude of maladies; depression, anxiety, fear, violence, obsessions, attention deficit disorder, phobias, hyperactivity, uncontrollable children and uncontrollable adults. There is a commercial that aired several months ago for a popular anti-depressant. In this commercial, they interviewed several people who complained about excessive worry. One woman said that things would run over and over in her mind and she could find no relief. Sound familiar? The announcer said that these people suffered from a chemical imbalance disorder and suggested the advertised anti-depressant as the solution.
So, if more education is for the purpose of bringing better understanding for better choices, thereby creating a more enlightened society, where is the fruit? Is there still not air pollution, cancer and alcoholism, Aids and abortions? Have we seen a decline in shootings, violence or terrorism? Does the massive intake of drugs actually bring relief? We may see momentary reprieves, but it does not go away. Recently, I received an email about looking back to the days when we rode in cars with no seat belts, didn't have air-conditioning, didn't wear helmets when we rode our bikes, weren't afraid of strangers, took snakes and frogs to school, but never guns and knives, etc. Essentially, it was looking back to a simpler way of life and easier ways. Today, we are a more evolved, more educated and more advanced society. However, we have reduced God to a vague 'higher power' of whatever we decide Him to be, be that mohammed, or buddha, or the goddess of the new age, as long as it does not offend. Yes, we have certainly changed, and the harvest is evident.
It is fascinating to study through the Old Testament and read all the different accounts of how God miraculously moved. He brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt, actually opened a sea for them to cross, and then sustained them with food and water while they roamed in the desert for forty years. Deuteronomy 29:5 says...I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out upon you and your sandals have not worn off your feet. In the book of Joshua, we read about the walls of Jericho falling (chapter 6), or how the sun actually stood still and the 'moon stayed' (chapter 10). 1 Kings gives us the account of the prophet Elijah going up against the prophets of Baal and literally calling fire down from heaven. We can read numerous accounts of God's hand miraculously bringing victory to the armies of Israel against their enemies. Then, we can continue on into the New Testament, which is full of the miracles that Jesus performed, miracles of deliverance and healing. Further, the scriptures give account of the crucifixion of Jesus; how they beat Him, mocked Him and spat upon Him; how He was nailed to a tree for us, thereby bringing redemption and salvation. In the Epistles, we see the early Church forming and growing and walking in the Power of God, as well as giving us specific direction of how we are to walk in Christ, even today.
You know, God created us each with the capacity for understanding and intelligence. Look at the technology in the world today and what is being accomplished. But He also created us to serve Him above all things. And when a society diminishes God, His Word, His plan or His will in any way, we will truly reap the harvest, leaving people desperate to find hope.
Paul and I have been actively ministering to people for a number of years. And we are seeing the effects of, hearing and ministering to increasing numbers of Christians who are walking in fear and anxieties over jobs, money, marriages, children, health issues, as well as ones who are literally tormented by fear. Now, my question is...if we, as believers are full of fear and anxiety, who is going to tell those who are lost without hope? The scripture tells us that as we get closer to the time when Jesus will return, because of what will continue to come upon this earth, that "mens's hearts would fail" because of fear (Luke 21:26). What is their hope? Their hearts will fail them because they have no hope.
Could it be that 'education' has seeped into the Church, making us more progressive as well? And as we search for educated answers to problems and challenges that come against us, have we forgotten that God has not changed? Do we turn to God out of desperation or do we walk in faith, believing that He has and will provide for us, no matter what comes our way? If the Israelites clothes and sandals did not wear out for forty years, will He not sustain us as well? The scripture says...Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages). The bible is more than a book of stories. It is God's Word, His covenant with us, through Jesus Christ. And the promises of God and provision made through the sacrifice of His Son is as real today as it was when Jesus performed miracle during His time on earth.
I set before you this day a challenge. What are you facing in your life? What difficulty is facing you that seems insurmountable? Is it health issues or money? Is it a marriage on shaky ground or family problems? Or maybe fear robs you of peace. I challenge you to pick up the bible and a marking pen and start underlining every promise that God has made to you in His Word. Start in the book of Matthew or just pick a book. I challenge you to 'educate' yourself to what the scripture says that God will do. And what will be the fruit? Faith! So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17, King James Version).
What fear or anxiety is coming against you? 2 Timothy 1:7...For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, or craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well balanced mind and discipline and self control. That's a promise!!
Mark 12:32...Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. That's a promise!!
John 14:27...Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give you and bequeath to you. That's a promise!! Not as the world give do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled]...
A hearts' cry...Father, how will they have hope unless we have hope?