DEFYING FEAR


Friendship has such value. It is not easy to move forward when faced with a worldwide pandemic. The fears and worries that occur in our daily life are hard to ignore. It is vital to address them. The question is, how? We share life with others and walk with friends that point us toward the Lord.

These are truths that have helped me when fears have overcome me. Friends that remind me about them and help me walk through them are real friends. Let us emerge from fear and reset our faith.

Jesus, My Friend

A friend always points to other good friends. Jesus is our best friend. We are friends of God (John 15:13-15, see also James 2:23). We can trust in God because even though life changes frequently, He does not (Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17). He is the rock upon which we build strong foundations (Psalms 18). Jesus is our friend. He reigns forever and ever. As we discover the truth that God won’t change (his love, power and grace), it brings comfort when my situation does.

God, Your Destiny

God has plans. They are good plans. His purpose is “higher than our ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11). His destiny is written on us. It is not just a short term plan; it is a long term one as well. We should share our fears and worries. He is listening to us, always, all the time. He has not lost control. He is in control and works in all circumstances, to turn evil into good (Genesis 50:20). He understands our suffering. He rewards us by giving us hope as a generous reward (1 Peter 1:6-7). We must remember that He succeeds in winning every battle in the end. Whatever happens, we know it is not a setback in God’s plan, because He has already “written every one” of our days (Psalms 139:16).

God’s Promises never fail

There are so many promises in the Bible that it would take an Encyclopaedia to list them. Let us remember the five promises that I shared last Sunday in Isaiah 41:10:
  • “I am with you”
  • “I am your God”
  • “I will strengthen you”
  • “I will help you”
  • “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
People may not be there when we need them. I know that to be true. I understand there are many reasons why people are not there when we most need them. Our security may disappear when we least expect it, even our financial stability. However, the Lord God is “our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Trust in Him because His presence and love are everlasting (Psalm 62:8-10).

Keep sharing with God

Sharing our lives with friends has many benefits; one of them is sharing our joys and our tears. It is hard to pray when we are anxious. It is one of the reasons that we need friends. If we can’t pray, others can. Let us always ask these comforting questions: “How can I pray for you? And can we pray right now?” Friends listen and pray, really pray. God wants to hear from you and about you. I know it is not easy, but it is essential to overcome your fears and anxiety by drawing closer to God. As we talk with Him, the Lord will meet us and bless us. So “let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Fear does not have the last word

It will be different for each of us, how we face fear and how it affects us. It can be a punctual period or a long term concern. We are never too far from facing fear; however, we have the promises of eternal life and everlasting joy (Revelation 21:1-8). In the meantime, God “comforts us in all of our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Friendship is a gift from God that gives us comfort in a time of need.

Let us be friends and help each other to conquer fear and overcome anxiety.

Bishop Josep Rossello