Fear not

Raquel Arrais, GC Women's Ministries Associate Director

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

I love the words of Isaiah 43:1. Why? Because God knows that we face fears every day, yet He tells us never to be afraid. “Fear not” were the very words the angel spoke to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30), and God has been speaking those same words to women ever since. He does not say that dangers don’t exist. They do. Sometimes our worst fears come true. Even then, it is the assurance of who God is, what God says, and where God is - by our side – that really matters.

As I pack for a trip to Bulgaria, I am thinking about all the details to which one must attend before leaving home – details that involve planning, prayers, energy, and a good dose of courage since traveling today is so unpredictable. As I think about all these things, I remember this special verse:

“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 your with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)

Courage takes the place of my fears as God reminds me that He is my provision and that I can be content. Contentment is not getting what you want but being happy with what you already have.
Jesus is the only one who can meet our deepest needs and take away our fears as we depend on Him. God is with us, and He will strengthen us in the journey. We also have the assurance of His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). If He promised, I can claim it. As I close my suitcase after packing for fourteen days on the road, I remember that He is with me and will protect me.

I don’t know what you’re going to do today or next week, but God will be with you. Take hold of this promise: “Fear not.” His presence is the reason you and I need not fear, and the reason we can say, “The Lord is my helper, so I will not fear what man shall do to me” (Hebrews 13:6).

As you start your day, remember, God has a firm hold upon you. His mighty hand will guide you every step you take. Trust and do not fear! You have God’s provision, God’s presence, God’s promises, and God’s protection. So why fear?

In His Presence ©2018 by General Conference Women’s Ministries Department

Raquel Arrais, GC Women's Ministries Associate Director