Devotions by Rachel #8

Devotional #8- Do not be afraid Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” All throughout the scriptures God tells us not to be afraid. Being afraid is not part of His plan for us. Being bold and courageous is.

We see that the disciples went through persecution, they were thrown in jail, beaten, shipwrecked, but through all of it God was with them. When God led the Israelites out of Egypt they faced many wars with surrounding nations as they made their way to the Promised Land. God told them over and over not to fear because He was with them. If God was not with us then there would be reason to be afraid. But He is with us and will be with us through all of the ups and downs. When He says not to be afraid, it’s not because bad things will not happen. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” So He tells us we are going to have trouble. But Jesus goes on to say “Do not fear for I have overcome the world.” If we cling to the Lord, He will give us the grace to face anything. Some scenarios might be, •When an unexpected pregnancy is in your family, He will give you the grace to raise that baby. •When tyrannical government takes over your country, He will use you as a light in the middle of darkness. And if you are put in prison, He will be with you there. When the doctor told me they suspected I had a neurological disease that could leave me disabled for life, or even kill me if I couldn’t get treatment in time, I was in shock. But as I faced my three scenarios, 1. God healing me 2. Having a neurological disease for life 3. Dying I was not afraid because I knew He would be with me. I cried to Him. I grieved. But then He poured out a grace on me. I realized I had to once again surrender my life to Him. If I had a neurological disease the rest of my life, He would be with me through it. He helped me see He would still use my life somehow. If I died I was going home to heaven, so there was nothing to fear. And if He healed me, then He would use that for His glory. My favorite scripture is, Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Take courage my brothers and sisters, God Almighty, is with us whatever life breaks brings.