AFRAID

My friend David Brown was in a bicycle accident and broke his neck. Aside from the reality that he should be dead, I cannot imagine how he felt when he was fully conscious and realized that he was dealing with significant paralysis.

Meditation

2 Chronicles 20:2-4—People came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast multitude from beyond the Dead Sea and from Edom has come to fight against you; they are already in Hazazon-tamar (that is, En Gedi). Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he resolved to seek the LORD. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, who gathered to seek the LORD. They even came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.

An approaching army of astounding size moved in confidence to destroy the nation of Judah. King Jehoshaphat faced three nations intent on his eradication. No wonder he was afraid! He had several options. He could seek help from other kingdoms—a ploy frequently used. He could surrender and pay tribute to his captors. He could fight, but his army was badly outnumbered. Instead, he set his heart on God for help. Men, women and children from all around the country traveled to join him and they all literally stood together, waiting on the Lord to respond.

We honor God when we give our fear to Him. The Lord spoke directly to King Jehoshaphat and the gathered crowd through the prophet Jahaziel. He instructed them on how He would deliver them from their enemies (20:15-17). If you want to read an amazing battle account, read 2 Chronicles 20:18-30!

Like Jehoshaphat, David in his own fear had several options. He could give up and despair of life—overcome by the panic of no feeling and difficulty breathing. He could blame God for his accident and live in anger and bitterness. He could turn inward and cut out those around him. Instead, like that Judah king of old, he sought God choosing to worship Him. Daily, David covers fear with praise. He ministers to the nurses and doctors and prays for them as they provide therapy. Amazingly, he is regaining movement in his feet, hands and arms. He will walk again! Those around him cannot help but see the hand of the Almighty.

When fear fills your mouth so you can barely swallow, what do you do? How you evaluate, engage and emerge from what threatens you says much about where you invest your trust. Face your greatest enemies and know that God is greater. Give your horror to Him and peace emerges. Submit your terror to prayer and experience His arms. Death is stingless if Jesus is your selected Savior—something to think about . . . in reveration!

Inspiration

“Do not fear those who kill the body”—leave that alone, but beware of being disobedient to your own spiritual stand before God because that will kill both body and soul, that is, make you reprobate.—Oswald Chambers in The Servant as His Lord