Are you afraid of anything or anyone right now? Is something worrying you?
Several years ago Joe and I were
worried and sick to our stomachs over an attorney letter we received from a
former renter’s lawyer. They were threatening a lawsuit because we hadn’t
returned their deposit money (but, they had left several damages and hadn’t
cleaned the place).
Joe and I prayed for help and
direction and that we would learn what God might be teaching us through this
experience. We knew God was already aware of the situation and would be with
us, but it was still hard not to worry about the outcome.
The women that visited Jesus’
tomb had a similar combination of faith and fear. Previously, they experienced
a violent earthquake, watched a brilliantly shining angel roll the stone away,
and witnessed the guards become like dead men in response! Who wouldn’t have
been afraid! Yet, they heeded the angel’s direction to go quickly to tell
Jesus’ disciples.
Matthew 28:8-10
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet
filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met
them. “Greetings,” he said. They
came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do
not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see
me.”
In response to Jesus’s reassurance, the women didn’t say a
quick “thank you Lord,” but stopped, bowed down and worshiped!
In Joe’s and my situation, God
gave Joe an opportunity four days later to meet with the renter and resolve the
whole thing! Like the women, I couldn’t help but immediately praise God!!! He
was with us before, during and after the fearful situation!
How will you take your fears to
God and then look for His presence?
Alice
