A Word from Pastor Stephen – April 13, 2020

So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

There is always something to be afraid of in our world. Even in our lifetimes so many events have come along and swallowed up so many people with fear, uncertainly and angst. Back in 1999 people were terrified about Y2K and the possible catastrophe that a computer glitch might cause. The terrorist attack of 9/11 rightfully gripped the nation with concern. In 2008 people feared an economic collapse. In 2012, so many people got caught up in an obscure Mayan calendar that said the world would end. Now, in 2020, the world is caught in clutch of a pandemic that has everyone hunkered down in fear.

Sometimes fear can be reasonable and justified. Fear can tell us something is wrong and we need to pay attention. Other times, fear is irrational and can keep us cut off from others and prevent us from moving forward. As followers of Jesus Christ we should never let fear overwhelm us. We should have the confidence to walk by faith, which is sometimes easier said than done.

All throughout the scriptures we are reminded again and again that we are not alone. We have a strong and mighty God we can trust. We have a friend in Jesus whose hand we can take hold of and walk through any obstacle, ordeal or trial.

Right now we are living through anxious and fretful days. While the fear is understandable, it should never overwhelm you. If the fear does creep in just read this comforting verse from the prophet Isaiah. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Amen.