Fearless - Day 20!

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While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:35-36

Sometimes being fearless requires ignoring the voices around you—even the well-meaning voices of “reason.” These voices will remind you that the prognosis is bad, the marriage seems hopeless, or you don’t have nearly enough to meet the obligations. And, sadly, these voices may be accurate! But, the fact that they are accurate, based on what we see today, doesn’t mean they are right. Very simply, any voice that leads you to be afraid doesn’t see the whole picture.

That’s what belief is all about. It means trusting what Father says more than what I see. Sometimes fear does seem to be the only reasonable response…until you remember the promises of God. Faith, in Him and His word, is like a set of lenses, which allows you to see a much larger reality with an infinite number of divine possibilities.

When fear comes knocking, the first question should be, “What has God said?” Then, take Jesus’ advice: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

For Reflection: Where, in my life, have I equated fear with responsibility? What does God say about the things I fear? If I truly believed Him, how would my response change?

Lord, we live in a world full of voices; and, many of them are voices of fear. I thank You that I am never alone. You are always with me. Teach me to silence the voices of fear so I can hear You. Help me to listen for what you say and then stand firm on your promises. When you are with me, I don’t need to be afraid!

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Fearless - Day 18

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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

I’m sorry…but if you have been told that as a follower of Jesus, you’ll never experience hard times, you’ve been lied to and should get your money back! We will all walk through the valley of the shadow of death. No exceptions. The imagery of valleys and shadows speak to times that are low and dark. I don’t need to expound because most of us have already been there, or at least been close.

I certainly prefer the sunny mountaintop, but truth be told, I have grown more in the valleys and shadows. He is with me there. Not that He’s absent on the high places, but it’s easier to get distracted by the beautiful surroundings. In the valley, I have only Him. I look for Him. I cling to Him. His rod and staff speak of correction, guidance, assurance, and protection…everything I need to come out of the shadows better than I went in. I don’t like hard times, but I don’t need to be afraid because I’m not alone.

For Reflection: Would you describe your current circumstances as more Mountain or Valley? As you listen, what do you hear the Lord saying to you in this season? Thank Him for whatever season you’re in and for His presence.

Lord, I don’t like the valley of the shadow of death, but sometimes we have to walk there. I thank You that I am not alone. Forgive me for the times when I’ve tried to rush through rather than letting You lead and guide. I don’t want to miss what You say in the