Though the Israelites in Exodus 14-15were gripped with fear and anxiety at the Red Sea in spite of God’s promise to take them out of Egypt, God stood true to His word. When Goliath bullied Israel in terror, God did not relent or relinquish redeeming them in spite of their fears and anxiety. In 1 Samuel 17 God used a shepherd boy, David to rescue them. Although in Joshua 6:2 the Lord said to Joshua, See, I have given into your hand Jericho, with its king and mighty men of valor, yet the Israelites remained in fear and anxiety. When God asked them to only march round the city walls of Jericho and on the last day make a long blast with the ram’s horn as his battle strategy, they trembled yet the Lord redeemed his image in victory in verse 20.
When Daniel was put in the lion’s den as recorded in Daniel 6:12-24, the event was full of fear and anxiety yet we read that Daniel was saved without any harm. Similarly, in Daniel 3:12-30, it was with great fear and anxiety when the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were put in the burning fiery furnace yet God was present with them. Is your situation worse than these? Peter fearful of drowning when he joined Jesus Christ walking on the sea yet Jesus saved him. Jesus always provides a way where there seems to be none. He knows and acts beyond the physical.
God’s way of escape
Christians as true believers must not submit to fear in times of challenges. Challenges are designed as part of this life for a purpose. Apostle Paul writing in James 1:2 says, Count it all joy, my brethren when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And steadfastness has its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. It is a spiritual test that gives us clearance in steadfastness for eternity. We cannot be promoted from one level to another without examination. With good preparation we can say with Apostle Paul as in Philippians 4:13 that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Jesus Christ will never leave us in times of trouble. His silence is always for a good reason. You only need to overcome fear and anxiety with faith in him. You only need to exercise faith as small as a mustard seed to move the mountains in your life as recorded in Matthew 17:20. The Apostle instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 as follows, therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Unfortunately, most of us have failed this test to support one another in times of tribulation.
Be strengthened that your challenge is always a source of encouragement for others. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Remain strong and steadfast in the Lord always. Romans 8:37 says, no, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Our prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we acknowledge in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” We pray that you may grant us strength and courage to face adversity as we strive to do your will to your glory and honour. AMEN!! SHALOM!!
