Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Fear is always your first reaction

Once again I am a student—officially. I am taking post-graduate classes in theology at Liberty University Online. It’s a little intimidating, if not overwhelming to learn how to use the online tools—learning how to use the virtual black board, how to post my assignments, etc. And when I don’t understand the instructions, my first reaction is fear. In fact, quite honestly, it’s more akin to “panic.” But I have to slow down and read the instructions again. I have to quiet myself to reduce the level of anxiety.

It reminds me that whenever we go through experiences—called trials—that are bewildering and disorienting, our first reaction is fear. At this point, our challenge is to quiet ourselves and go back (return) to God’s instructions—the Bible. It is there we find perspective: “In returning and rest, you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength”
(Is. 30:15).

To correctly interpret your difficult circumstances, God's perspective is vital. Every crisis should grab our attention; what better time to hear God speak. One word He always gives in such situations, "Do not be afraid." Fear is the human reaction to problems. Hope is God's reaction. “After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram" (Gen. 15:1)

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