For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
The emotion of fear can be both healthy and unhealthy. Unhealthy fears are those that cause us to shrink and be drawn away from our purpose and responsibilities. We can be afraid of a person, a sickness, or even what the future holds. I remember being diagnosed with a heart condition many years ago and being fearful of what my future looked like. Once I took my fears to the Lord, my outlook on my life and future changed. Nothing can happen without the Lord say so, and life and death remain in the power of His mighty hands. God wants us to take whatever we are afraid of to Him so that He can calm all our fears (Isaiah 41:10). Healthy fears are those that keep us from doing things that are harmful to us and keep us thriving in our purpose and responsibilities. Healthy fear is also called reverence or respectfulness. We learned not to place our fingers into electrical outlets, put our hands on a hot stove, stand in front of a moving train, or disrespect our parents for many of us. The word of God says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverb 9:10). The opposite of fear is confidence. Paul encourages the church of Philippi to keep their faith in the Lord, saying, He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). We are to choose faith over fear and let nothing frustrate God’s purpose in our lives.
How could the Apostle Paul be in chains and face possible execution and live in his divine purpose? Why is it that his plans and dreams were not canceled by his circumstances? Paul’s resolve was not self-willed determination, but the gift of the Spirit of God stirred up in Him to live like and look to Christ (2 Tim 1:7). Paul’s power to overcome his fears and function within his purpose flowed from the life of Christ in him. In other words, he knows no matter the outcome, he can’t lose with the Lord God on his side. He knew that in Christ Jesus, no weaponed form against him shall prosper (Isa 54:17). God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is invincible, indestructible, impossible without Christ. Yet, with Christ, all things are made possible. When we keep our eyes on Christ, our present and future are made clear.
Our circumstances can make us feel that the walls are closing in around us. We can feel increasingly isolated or trapped, but when we have lived and experienced the faithfulness of God long enough, we realize that we are never alone. We have learned that God is our refuge and strength our ever-present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1). If we are not prayerful our feelings of isolation can cause to only see ourselves and our own interest. Instead of being members of Christ’s body, we can become disconnected, unhappy, and unfulfilled. The enemy wants to isolate all he can to destroy us all one by one (1 Pet 5:6-8). Paul matured to understand that God created him to be great and significant in Christ Jesus. If we know that if God is for us who can be against us, then our attention begins to shift from me, myself, and I to God and others. Like Paul, we must recognize that no matter our circumstance, God will get the glory in both our living and dying, and it is always a win for us too.
The more one becomes isolated, the more self-righteous and miserable one becomes. However, the greater joy you will have when you know whose you are (1 Cor 6:19-20). When you know that God has a purpose and plan for your life, you can live in confidence and not fear (Jer. 29:11). God created each of us to do more than just breathe, but to become more and more like Christ as find meaning in who we are in and for Him.
Father, help us not be afraid or anxious about anything but remember that you have good thoughts toward us of peace and not evil. You want to give us a future and a hope that will not disappoint us. Grow us up to see beyond ourselves and our own interests. Help us to be more helpful to those you have placed around us. Help us to be more hopeful when our circumstances move to isolate us from you and others. You are great and have a great life for us with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Because He lives,
Pastor Reggie Sheppard