Fear Not

Do you remember where you were, and what you were doing, 23 years ago this morning?  I was in metropolitan Detroit, having breakfast with a number of other pastors when the owner of the place hurried into the room where we were eating. “They’re attacking us on our own soil!” he exclaimed. “You’ve got to come and see.”

               We followed him to the front of the restaurant where he had a tiny television showing the news footage of smoke in the first tower.  It was only a couple of minutes before we saw the second plane hit the second tower. Of course, you know the story of what happened next.  Just the phrase, “September 11,” brings back the memory.

               Many things have changed since that day.  It is much more of an ordeal to board a plane.  We are suspicious of those who do not look like we do.  We simply do not trust others as we once did.  And many folks live in constant fear of what might happen next.

               I do not, in any way, wish to minimize the awful events and consequences of that day.  Like an earlier president said of Pearl Harbor Day, it is a day that lives in infamy.  Perhaps you know someone who was impacted by the attacks of that day.  Even if a friend or family member enlisted in the armed forces following that day, you are aware of the way life has changed since then.

               But I want to remind you of this fact.  The Lord has spoken this to us many times in His word. “Do not fear.” “Fear not.” “Do not be afraid.” No matter how it is translated, it means the same thing. Trust God.  Paul said that the Lord has, “not given us the spirit of fear.” 

               I know that there are fearful things in this world. But I trust in the God who raised His Son from the grave, permanently defeating even death in that moment. And I know that He is able. And so, I trust Him. I pray that you will do the same.