It was 5 a.m. on a cold winter morning last November when I was jolted awake from my sleep – drenched in sweat. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears and try as I might, I could not get myself to calm down even as I assured myself that everything was alright now that I was awake.
I had dreamt that the last days were upon us.
In my dream, I saw my father, defiantly standing up for what he believed and refusing to bend to the blasphemous demands of those questioning him. I saw myself begging him to reconsider – to bend the truth just enough to appease the people standing around him – people who claimed to be godly but were deceived. My father refused my request point-blank as he stood by his faith. I recalled sitting there as I watched hatred and disgust fill their faces – throwing him out into the cold without offering him anything to eat. As the next scene flashed before me, I saw that my husband and I were made to sit on the floor of a supermarket and were refused food and drink owing to the fact that we followed Jesus. An imminent threat of separation hung heavily in the air around us. A kind passer-by gave us something to eat and I sighed in relief at the thought that at least our children would not go hungry that night.
The dream ended.
I woke Paulsam up and proceeded to narrate my dream in short, anguished bursts. I was keen to listen to what he had to say. You see, despite all the suffering I’d seen, I was struck by how calm my husband had appeared in the dream. He certainly wasn’t ignorant or uncaring about our situation. Rather, he radiated a quiet faith in God and truly believed that He was with us even to the ends of the Earth (Matthew 28:20). As Paulsam, now wide-awake, started to speak and comfort me, I realized that he wasn’t much different from how he’d come across in my dream. As he expressed his thoughts, I marveled at the deep strength that he found in God and longed to find that “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
The Lord spoke to me about many things, through my husband, that night. The Lord comforted me and gave me a sense of conviction that my joy and peace could not come from all the things I depended on. Attempting to control my happiness would be an exercise in futility. My peace and repose could only come in my absolute dependence upon the Lord. I can experience utter rest amid the raging sea because it was Jesus who suggested, “Let us go to the other side of the lake”. If He promised that we would get to the other side, then it will surely come to pass – no matter what comes my way.
In Matthew 24:6, we find Jesus exhorting his disciples to “see that you are not frightened” despite “hearing of wars and rumors of wars” in the last days. He warns them of nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, ravaging famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. We know how natural it is for us to gravitate towards fear when we but read the things that Jesus mentions, and yet, Jesus warns his disciples to make sure they were not alarmed.
How can this be? Is Jesus just far removed from reality? Quite the contrary!
Knowing our weaknesses in the face of trials, Jesus encourages them by saying “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We ought to, at the very least, be as aware of the fact that Jesus has overcome the world, as we are of our troubles.
Faith and fear cannot coexist. God expects his children to have faith in Him, no matter what happens in the world. He goes on to mention that ‘these are just the beginnings of the sorrows to come’ (Matthew 24:8). Therefore, if the mere beginning of the end finds us cowering and afraid, how will we stand when have to face the worst? This is why Jesus keeps instructing His disciples to make sure that their faith is strong and firmly rooted in God.
Fear is an indicator of a lack of faith. David sings, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). This is what faith is about. Faith isn’t the belief that you will not have to walk through the valley of death, but rather the confidence that God is with you, and thereby, you have nothing to be afraid of. You fear because you do not yet realize the omnipotence of the One who is by your side.
I thank God for the ways in which He trains us – with infinite wisdom and a steady supply of grace. Goliath was not the first enemy that David faced. The Lord enabled him to protect his flock from a lion and a bear before he had to face Goliath. When David stood before Saul, he knew in his heart that the Lord who helped him advance against the bear and the lion would not abandon him when he faced Goliath. David might not have had the courage to face Goliath unless he had these experiences under his belt that enriched his faith. God takes us through little steps before we are faced with our giant. As a good Father, He trains us in a way that does not leave us feeling discouraged. Every trial you face today is instrumental in the purpose of developing your faith so that you will have the strength to persevere to the end. How great is the Father’s love for us! He will not let you face the giant until you are ready.
If you’ve committed your life to Jesus and have made the decision to follow Him, then it is up to Him to determine the path in which you should go. It is neither the same path for everyone nor is it the same method. For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God allowed them to be thrown into the fiery furnace before He saved them. They proclaimed their faith by saying, “Our God is able to save us, but even if He doesn’t save us from this fire, we will still serve Him alone” (Daniel 3:18). In the case of countless martyrs, God did not save them from physical death but gave them the faith that enabled them to count it all joy to die for the Lord. In the New Testament, Stephen, just before he was stoned to death, lifts his eyes to heaven and declares “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!” (Acts 7: 56) I believe God led them through little battles before they could face their final war. Through those battles, they learned to have faith that the Lord was with them always.
The Covid-19 pandemic that we are now faced with also gives us a chance to check our faith. Are we afraid like those who do not know God and speculate about how things will end, the predicament of our career, what the future holds, and about the fate of our loved ones? Or do we know that if God allows us to go through such a situation, He is with us and that He is in control? Do we have the peace of God, as promised by Jesus or are we still living in fear? Jesus promised that He would give us His peace – that uninterrupted, supreme peace that He possessed even as He stood before Pilate.
“Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
Are you still afraid? Don’t be discouraged. In His unfailing love, God will lead you to victory in the little battles before you have to face the war. Meanwhile, let us be focussed on our walk with Him – experiencing the power and peace He bestows. It’s never too late to run to God to ask for help in overcoming our unbelief. It is important, to be honest before God. He always responds in love and never fails to answer.
From now on, look at the situations that bring fear in your heart, as opportunities to develop in faith. If you do so, in a short while from now, you will thank God for those very same circumstances. What glorious results that would yield! Such a life would bring honor to the Lord.
5 comments
Amen..thank God for such reassuring words. At times we are gripped by fear of the unknown and our only refuge is God’s presence. Today, as I am encouraged by these words of faith I believe”even when i walk through the fire I will not be burnt”(Isaiah 43:2)as I have my saviour by my side.
GOD BLESS😊
MATHEW
July 6, 2020 – 7:05 am
I truly believe what you said . God is preparing his elect for his second coming … the tender leaves let us know that spring is at hand .On the last day of 2019 the Lord reminded me that he was the Ark that would take us through the flood .. I thought that 2019 was the flood and 20 the new beginning but later realised that this is the year of the flood and in Jesus Christ we are safe . Only in Jesus Christ can I over come the fear of the future and the pandemic . Thank you so much for reminding me that he will take me across the turbulent lake as long as He is with me in the boat.
Praise God for the assurance He has given! Thank you for reminding us through your words! End is near but He is there so we can face tomorrow!
Keep writing!
Praise God, indeed!
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