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Are You Afraid?

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Samuel Smith
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ARE YOU AFRAID?

According to the Dictionary, "fear is a strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat". Right after the fall of man, fear has been and continuous to be one of the torments in human life. It has caused the death of many and has brought many lives and families into ruin. Invariably, it has been the cancer of every generation.

As some of our fears may be real and ideal, most of them are triggered by perception and imaginations. Some fears may be internal which is self-inflicted or may be external which may be born out of the threats of an opposer, a competitor, calamity or disaster. One of the main causes of fear in man’s life is the fear of the unknown future. This leads many to the soothsayers, enchanters, psychics and other spiritic mediums.

To the Christian, the antidote to the fear of the future is the knowledge of the abilities of God and the assurance of Jesus' second coming. Amidst the trials and afflictions, diseases and rampant abominations, the Christian ought to concur that they are bound to happen as we are still living in a sinful world. Christ did not promise us with a life without pain or sorrow here. But He assures us to trust and believe in Him since nothing happens of which He is not aware. Whatever may betide us on earth here, He says He is in control. With this assurance, we dare not be crippled with fear amidst our turmoil.

Before the inception of what you call a challenge that is causing the fear in you, He was and will forever be; so He says, Fear not; I am the first and the last. I am in control of your situation. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

It is obvious from this biblical text that till the world ends, we shall continue to be afflicted in life; but our God is faithful, able and knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation. Those who trust in themselves, their abilities, powers, and put their hopes in man, always have their hopes crushed and bewildered, and are always afraid. But to those who have put their trust in God and have faith in Jesus, they have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind. This is why in this era of Pandemic diseases like Corona Virus (COVID 19), we need to be strong in the Lord. Knowing that they are part of the signs of the end time, and that Christ’s coming will bring an end to our trials, these should be comforting than panicking.

If even our fear has emanated from our own ways, we know that the Lord will not cast us of forever. Though He causes grief, yet he will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. He says; "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".

(Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:10; 2 Peter 2:9; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:7; Lamentations 3:31, 32; Isaiah 41:10)

Pr. Nicholas Obeng Agyekum