Gò0dNews for Teens
Let’s Break Fear Down
T
by Filip Brunner
ornadoes, COVID-19, and life and death are all part
Jesus does not let us just fend for ourselves. We are told
of life that sometimes point to an overwhelming and
to be patient in the midst of our difficulty and to let patience
uncertain future. We live with the mistaken idea
be perfected in us. Patience has a peaceful effect on those
that we are the masters of our destiny. But consider the
who are exercised by it. Do you remember when there was a
possibility that there is only one master of destiny, and His
storm on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus was in the back of the
name is the Lord Jesus. Notice what James tells us about the
ship sleeping? When we are in the boat in the middle of the
difficulties of life.
storms of life with Jesus, we are assured that the boat will
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My
not sink when the God of the universe is in the boat with us. The disciples pleaded with Jesus, how can you be asleep?
brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Even in the time when the Book of James was written, hard times were not unknown to the believers. The brethren were scattered because of the intense persecution of the early church by the Roman
Don’t you care that we are about to perish? What did Jesus
government. So what is this “count it all joy when you fall
do? The Bible is clear; Jesus calmed the storm with His
into different types of temptations or trials”? First of all,
Word: “Peace, be still!”
temptation and trials are two sides of the same coin. When
When we pray to the Lord, we are told to ask for
trials come, and they will come, it is our natural response
wisdom and He will give it to us. Not only that, but when
or temptation to question, “Why God…” Why is this
He speaks, the storm obeys Him. “Lord, I don’t know what
happening? Remember, beloved, we speak of the trying of
to do; give me wisdom and calm the storm that rages in me
our faith. Will we trust God to get us through the difficulties
and, at times, out there.” Trust in Jesus when you are in His
of life, or will we buckle under the pressure of it and rebel
boat. Be blessed, until next time.
truth and make us into stronger Christ followers?
26 // August 2020
About The Author
against the Holy Spirit when He wants to guide us into all Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
