Let’s Break Fear Down

Gò0dNews forTeens

Let’s Break Fear Down

by Filip Brunner

Tornadoes, COVID-19, and life and death are all part of life that sometimes point to an overwhelming and uncertain future. We live with the mistaken idea that we are the masters of our destiny. But consider the possibility that there is only one master of destiny, and His name is the Lord Jesus. Notice what James tells us about the difficulties of life.

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My 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 government. So what is this “count it all joy when you fall into different types of temptations or trials”? First of all, temptation and trials are two sides of the same coin. When trials come, and they will come, it is our natural response or temptation to question, “Why God…” Why is this happening? Remember, beloved, we speak of the trying of our faith. Will we trust God to get us through the difficulties of life, or will we buckle under the pressure of it and rebel against the Holy Spirit when He wants to guide us into all truth and make us into stronger Christ followers?

Jesus does not let us just fend for ourselves. We are told to be patient in the midst of our difficulty and to let patience be perfected in us. Patience has a peaceful effect on those who are exercised by it. Do you remember when there was a storm on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus was in the back of the ship sleeping? When we are in the boat in the middle of the storms of life with Jesus, we are assured that the boat will not sink when the God of the universe is in the boat with us. The disciples pleaded with Jesus, how can you be asleep?

Don’t you care that we are about to perish? What did Jesus do? The Bible is clear; Jesus calmed the storm with His Word: “Peace, be still!”

When we pray to the Lord, we are told to ask for wisdom and He will give it to us. Not only that, but when He speaks, the storm obeys Him. “Lord, I don’t know what to do; give me wisdom and calm the storm that rages in me and, at times, out there.” Trust in Jesus when you are in His boat. Be blessed, until next time.

About The Author Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.