New events, new places, new relationships,and NEW YEAR’S, in many cases, cause people to ponder the “what if’s” and “the unknowns.” More times than not, FEAR tends to creep in and steal the beauty of our thoughts and our dreams and our goals for these new happenings. In these moments, the horizon becomes dim and the possibilities, crushing. Why? In most cases it is from FEAR.
“There is no fear in love.
But perfect love drives out fear because
fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18
FEAR is a part of our life’s journey. It is “what cripples the many but launches the few.” Fear either motivates or it paralyzes. FAITH and FEAR go hand-in-hand. It is our faith that leads us, guides us, and strengthens us. It is FEAR that can destroy us. BUT just as FAITH and FEAR go hand-in-hand, FAITH and LOVE are forever; they are accessible. ALWAYS. It is GOD’S LOVE that drives out FEAR and 1st Corinthians 13:13 says, “Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love.” It is this that is the constant in our lives. It is this that is the great HOPE. It is this same HOPE that allows the horizon to come back into view and our dreams to become reality, our thoughts to be beautifully creative, and our goals realized.
BUT, like most things in life, it is a choice and when you sift it all down there are two choices: FEAR OR FAITH. In early May, 25 churches in India were burnt to the ground. Four years ago, I took six friends to India and each of us spoke in a church that greeted us with lei’s, dancing, embraces, and beautiful music. They washed our hands in a ceremonial gesture of friendship, love, and fellowship. This would be the largest church we would visit while in India. It was a majestic place full of joy and courage that seemed to over-ride the possibility of FEAR. This was one of the 25. As a facility, it no longer exists. As God’s Church, she will continue to be present and she will continue to spill what she has expressed for years in the midst of the possibilities of persecution: love and majesty, suffering and dignity. It was and will continue to be a place, though scattered, of beauty.
