YWAM Native American First Nations DTS

Knowing Creator and making him known

You are here: Home / Archives for Fear

Fear

Where Were You, God?

by 1 Comment

Where were you, God?

The horrific events of 9-11-2001 have no doubt caused many to ask questions like this one. “Where you asleep God, or on vacation or did you just not pay attention?”

Interestingly enough, these questions seem to be asked mostly by people who may not think or care about God when things run smoothly in their lives. Some who ask may not even believe there is a God or that he can be known.

Others may have a notion of what God is like and events like the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001 seem to rattle what little trust they may have had in him.

Somehow we feel that God, who is all-powerful has the obligation to protect us from evil. Many may ask: “Can the all-powerful God, let evil happen to our lives and at the same time claim to be the God of Love?”

Here are some answers, that Lee Strobel, an investigative reporter was given by Peter John Kreeft, a first rate philosophical thinker with a PhD. from Fordham University, who has been a philosophy professor at Boston College since 1965.

[Read more…] about Where Were You, God?

No FEAR

by Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve seen these two words printed on a popular brand of T-shirt or you even own one. When I first noticed the shirts, I asked myself, whether conquering our fears is as easy as wearing one of them.

If we are honest, we are daily faced with a number of fears. Fear of failure may keep us from ever attempting something great. Fear of rejection may keep a man from asking the love of his life for her hand. You might never get to the destination of your dream vacation because you are fearful of flying. Of course, there are many more: fear of heights, fear of the unknown, fear of loosing a loved one, fears rooted in superstitions or taboos, like walking under a ladder on Friday the 13th, just to name a few.

How we handle or avoid fears will determine to a great deal the quality of our life.

I wondered whether God’s Word has anything to say about the subject of fear. Well, it is said that there are 365 “fear not” words in the Bible, one for every day! Our maker seems to be aware, that fear is a very human problem.

The prophet Isaiah speaks the word of God, saying: “Fear not”! The encouraging part is that he doesn’t just tell us not to be afraid, but gives us solid reasons why. He also lets us know what to do when we are paralyzed by fear.

© 1999 Volkhard Graf, YWAM Native Ministries

(Permission to reproduce this material is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, will not be sold, and will be distributed for the sole purpose of expanding the Gospel.)

Happy New Year!

by Leave a Comment

The end of one year and the beginning of another is usually cause for reflection, but the happenings of the September 11, 2001 make these considerations take on a new dimension. The sense of security that was enjoyed before the ominous date has been replaced by one of vulnerability, insecurity and fear.

Leaders of this country have recognized this fact and called upon everyone to not let fear win, because this would mean that those who attacked this country and its people have won. Some suggested solutions to deal with that fear were, to continue flying in airplanes, travel to see relatives and friends, go about life as normal as possible and to spend money as a patriotic exercise to support the US economy.

Although these are practical suggestions with some merit, they fail to deal with the root of the problem! Just to wear a T-shirt or hat with the embroidered inscription “No Fear” is not an indication of the fact that the person wearing these items really is without fear. The famous quote of former President F.D. Roosevelt: “Fear nothing but fear itself”, is another example of a notable saying which does not give a clue how not to fear when you do.

As a follower of the Jesus Way, I am grateful that the “manual” written and delivered to me by my Creator and Redeemer is not short on real advice how to deal with my fears. First of all it shows that I’m not the only one who is or ever was afraid and that I don’t have to be ashamed of this fact. Then there is the wonderful part that helps me to practically deal with my fear. Listen to this instruction:

“Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (TLB)

Other translations express it this way: Cast all your anxieties upon him (God), because he cares for you. To experience this truth, we have to trust the One who made this statement and let go of, literally throw down our worries and fears at His feet. We have to admit, we can’t rid ourselves of our fears, that we need His help and that we trust Him to really take care of us.

Now, you may question whether it is that easy, whether you can take this great promise literally. Well, I offer you to read for yourself about the many people in God’s Word who were afraid, but then trusted God and were delivered of their fears.

In case you are wondering, I’m writing as one who has experienced first hand the debilitating and potentially paralyzing effects of fear and the glorious simplicity of God’s deliverance when I followed His advice.

How we handle and let God rid us of our fears will determine to a great deal the quality of our life. I want to invite you to trust God. Throw your anxieties at his feet and let him free you from your fear so the years before you can truly be happy ones.

© 2002 Volkhard Graf, YWAM Native Ministries

(Permission to reproduce this material is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes, will not be sold, and will be distributed for the sole purpose of expanding the Gospel.)