Fear Not; be Not Dismayed
March 5, 2022 No. 5
As I write this blog message, I am listening to the events of the attacks on Ukraine by the Russian aggressors. As my heart aches for the citizens there, and as I thank and glorify God for my safety and relative prosperity, I cannot avoid the question that continues to ring and reign in my ears and spirit, “Why the Ukraines, and not me? How was I born in a free America, rather than somewhere else (not free)?”
We know there are Christians suffering during this war in Ukraine. So as I thank and glorify God for my safety, those suffering Ukrainian Christians must be looking up and maybe even wondering where their God is as they suffer.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV) is certainly a scripture passage that I have depended on, and believed to be the case, for many years. What is the prophet Isaiah really saying here? Breaking it down, (1) God is with us (“I am with you”); (2) God has established a relationship with us (“I am your God”); and (3) God gives us assurance of His strength, help, and victory over sin and death.
I write in my book that asking God’s Spirit to come into our hearts does not insulate us from the happenings that may affect us as we live our lives. Without sounding trite, as far as the reality of living in this world as a Christian or not, accepting God’s free gift of salvation—thanks to the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ’s dying on the cross—the only fact that we can depend on is that our souls are saved through eternity! And that’s very important regarding our forever state.
If I were in Ukraine right now, which I cannot even fathom, because I am not, I would be looking to God for His strength and help. If we look at the scripture passage, when Isaiah wrote “I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” I would look to God for His help. Because we do not know the mind or the heart of God, and because in this world evil is permitted to reign its terror on all people, Christians must continue to be faithful and likewise continue to trust our God to keep His promise, to provide His strength, help, and victory over sin and death.
I will continue to pray for the people of Ukraine. I pray for peace.
If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, please just offer this prayer: “Dear Jesus,
I know I’m a sinner and don’t deserve to receive Your forgiveness. I understand that You are forgiving me of my sins and that Your sacrifice on the cross was payment for the many sins I have committed and will commit in the future. I know that You took the punishment for the wrongs I have committed. Thank You for not giving me what I deserve. You saved me from being condemned for my sins so that I can spend eternity in heaven with You. Thank You, Jesus. Right now, I accept Your free gift of salvation. Please come into my heart and save me from my sins.
Thank You, Jesus.
Amen
I hope you will pray this prayer. May God richly bless you.
