You really ought to read Max Lucado's new book, Fearless. He points out that fear is not only a universal problem for us weak human beings, it is one of the problems that Jesus referred to most in His earthly ministry. I wonder if the disciples ever reflected on the most-often-repeated phrases of Christ. If so, they would have noted, 'He was always calling us to courage.' Do not fear. Take courage. Let not your hearts be troubled.
For us who work in Mexico, our hearts were certainly challenged this year with all the reports of violence. Lucado's book is a great reminder of the courage that we gain when we focus on our Lord. He is truly our hiding place and our fortress and our example. His calm spirit in the midst of the storm is our refuge.
In His death Jesus provided us with so much more than a great example of sacrifice. But why did His death have to be so violent? Wouldn't our salvation have been paid for by a single drop of His blood? Did the atonement for sin demand six hours of violence? No, but His triumph over sadism did. Jesus once and for all displayed His authority over savagery. Evil may have her moments, but they will be brief. Satan unleashed his meanest demons on God's Son. He tortured every nerve ending and inflicted every misery. Yet the master of death could not destroy the Lord of life. Heaven's best took hell's worst and turned it into hope.
Let's avoid the stampede of fear out there and find comfort and courage in the arms of our strong Savior.
