" BEING AFRAID "

This week we will be looking into " BEING AFRAID."

"Afraid" is:
(1) being filled with fear or apprehension
(2) Filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation

When Jesus walked on the sea, He was able to do it as He is God. He knows that all things are possible and so should we. Now, when Peter finally recognized that it was Jesus walking on the sea opposed to a ghost. He immediately jumped out of the boat without regard for His own safety. You see He was focused on Jesus and His faith was was high. Why is our Faith like a surfers wave? We must always keep our eyes on Christ, and we will never have to fear anything.

Jesus' Inner Circle could not hold in their fear when they saw someone walking across the surface of the water not only because they suspected a GHOST. Mark says it was because their hearts were hard (Mark 6:52). Even though they have just witnessed the miraculous feeding of the multitude, they failed to apply that experience of Jesus' power to this situation. Now, when we humans do wrong, our impulse is to hide (If they are still sensitive to sin). Sin disrupts a person's relationship with others and with God. Still, God seeks a relationship.

When the Father makes a promise to us we must never doubt. Now, Abram wasn't promised wealth or fame; he already had that. Why would Abram be afraid? Perhaps he feared revenge from the kings he had defeated. God gave him two good reasons for courage: (1) He promised to defend Abram ("I am a Shield to you"), and (2) He promised to be Abram's "Reward." When you fear what lies ahead, remember that God will stay with you through difficult times and that he has promised you great blessings.

Until Next Time...
Jim