Fighting Fear

Luke 1:30 (ESV) — 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

I love this passage of scripture because it reveals what is happening in Mary’s heart.  Mary, while living life, enjoying the journey, and making plans for the future, had her life interrupted by an angel declaring the plans that God had for her life.  I can only imagine what would be racing through Mary’s mind as she tried to process all that the angel was telling her.  Fear would begin to creep in as she began to realize the implications on her life, personally and publicly.

While fear can creep into our lives, most of the time it comes crashing in through the interruptions and challenges of life.  Things that we have not planned, which interrupt the flow of life, can cause fear to set in and when it does, can be life controlling.  Yet, the angel tells Mary to not be afraid.  I have often asked myself, how would Mary have dealt with her fear? Did she have relapses of fear in the days that followed this encounter?

As you ponder these questions, I want to encourage you with several thoughts.  First of all, God knows and cares about your fears.  The angel didn’t scold Mary for her fear, rather he encouraged her to not be afraid.  God will provide the encouragement we need to simply trust in Him with the interruptions and challenges of life.  In your moment of fear, remember that the God who created the heavens and earth is the one who created you.  Who can take care of your life and the circumstances that surround you, better than Him?

This season, cast all your fears upon Him because He cares for you.  Trust that He will do good in your life and you will see the blessing of having faith in Him.

Blessings,

Chad