Growing up in the 60's, "clean" cartoons were great entertainment. One of my favorites was Underdog, who would say, "There's no need to fear, Underdog is here." Then, he would come to the rescue. As we mature, we realize that super heroes are not real. But, as Christians, we learn to be bold in Christ. In walking close to Him, even when we're scared, He is our Shepherd. We may confidently take leaps of faith, assured that His Spirit will empower us. If we don't lean on Him, fear can paralyze us doing the things the Lord is leading us to do.
May 19th was Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and other followers of Jesus. Appropriately, on that day, I read an insightful devotional from Corrie ten Boom's "New Each Day" book:
"When I was a teenager, my father asked me to visit the women in the prison of our town. I would not do it, because I was so afraid of prisons. Now, since I've been in prison myself, I have no fear. I even like to speak with prisoners because I know how it feels to be behind a door that can only be opened on the outside. But I also know that with Jesus, the worst can happen, the best remains, and His light is stronger than the deepest darkness...Lord, thank You that you do not give us a spirit of fear but of power, of love, and a sound mind.
I also had a fear of prison and in speaking to inmates. My good friend, Chaplain Jeff, who was led to move from church ministry to take a job as a chaplain within our Forsyth County Jail and Prison, has provided me with courage, to where I'm now comfortable being around inmates. We're all children of God, and Jesus loves all people, unconditionally....look unto our Lord, and give Him your worries, fears and anxieties. He will, in turn, give you peace, comfort and strength, to help you move forward in serving others as unto Him.
"When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You" (Psalm 56: 3, Amplified Bible).
Bill Shields
FMPM Steering Committee Member