March 2017 – Fear

This past Wednesday marked the beginning of the 40 days before Easter. Most people probably don’t associate Lent with “fear”, but as I thought about the days leading up to the human death of Christ, I felt a sense of dread. Usually when I consider the Easter story, I happily focus on the resurrection. It’s what my entire faith is based on and it is beautiful. But contemplating what happened before that miraculous event fills me with a sorrow and I can only imagine the fear. The fear of those who loved Jesus when they began to realize just what was going on and his fear as well, knowing what was to come.

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. ~ Luke 22:42

There are many verses about trusting God and not being afraid. But even Jesus was distressed, if only for a moment.

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. ~ Luke 22:44

But he didn’t let his fear consume him or allow him to deviate from the plan.

Sometimes we allow our fears to keep us from doing what God has planned for us. Stepping out in faith is scary. Getting out of our comfort zone is scary. When we feel that fear creeping up we need to take our cue from Jesus: yet not my will, but yours be done.