Do Not Be Afraid
“After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’”
—Genesis 15:1 (NKJV)
Tomorrow, we will wake up to a newly elected president, congress, and governor. For many, the day will bring relief, while others may feel deep disappointment. In recent years, I’ve noticed the rise of hyperbolic fear-mongering that permeates our hearts and minds around elections. Regardless of where we stand, similar fears are often peddled: “The end of democracy.” Some of these concerns may be valid and may cause some reasonable distress. So, what now?
The phrase “do not be afraid,” or similar, appears over 100 times in Scripture. The first instance above captures God reassuring Abraham in a season of fear and uncertainty. Abraham, who had left his homeland with a daunting call to become the father of nations, was afraid and beginning to doubt. God responded by taking him outside to show him the stars, reminding him of His unshakeable promises. Abraham believed, and the Lord “accounted it to him for righteousness.”
The Lord is Our Shield and Reward
When facing the unknown or when life doesn’t align with our expectations, we’re often tempted to spiral downward into discouragement or frustration. But God reminds us that He is our shield and our reward. We are His, and He is ours, which realigns our focus on Him as our protector and hope. Though we may face troubles, feel marginalized, or experience rejection, His promises stand.
Secure in His Hands
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
—John 10:27-28 (NKJV)
Beyond being our reward, God treasures us as His own. Regardless of who wins the election or what challenges arise, we can find rest in our secure future as believers. This season is a perfect time to check our faith. Have we trusted in Jesus with a heartfelt faith or were we just going along with the crowd? If we have truly called upon His name, we can trust that we are held securely by Him.
Our Purpose as Ambassadors
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new…Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NKJV)
As Christians, our purpose remains constant: we are ambassadors of reconciliation in a foreign land. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Our calling is to draw others toward reconciliation with God, sharing His love with a rebellious world. Our world may look different tomorrow, but our mission doesn’t change. In fact, troubled times should clarify our purpose and shake us from complacency.
Be blessed, and get out there and be the blessing!