From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

© Bill McCown | www.myghcf.com

You know, when you think of it, fear is a strange little critter. I know a Marine who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and was fearless in doing so, yet freaks out and runs at the sight of the spider. Or what about the lion tamer who is afraid of a house cat; or the husky construction worker who is deathly afraid of a mouse? Fear – what is this thing? Fear can cripple your responses on the one hand or magnify your actions on the other. The fear of infection might stir you to seek medical help; the fear of falling off a cliff might steer you away from its edge; the fear of a harsh discipline might encourage you to improve your behavior. Hm-m, fear...you can flail or sail.

What does God say about it? He does say to fear Him, but in all else He says, "Fear not". Of course, I had to look up the Greek and Hebrew meanings in which those commands were written. When God said to "fear" Him, it means be in awe, caution and reverence. For all else, when He says, "fear not", it means don’t be alarmed or frightened by what you feel, think or see. He can say that with confidence because there is nothing higher or stronger than Him, nor is there anything impossible to Him. So if He is in you, you can tell yourself "fear not" for those things that assail you. And yet, you can turn right around and know that the fear, the awe, the caution toward the Lord, IS the beginning of all wisdom. Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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