I saw it again on the back of a pick-up window just the other day, “No Fear!” in artistic and bold lettering. On the surface, you may think there goes a very confident, courageous, fearless person or someone who wants to appear to be or maybe someone who just thinks the phrase is cool! Courage isn’t the absence of fear though; courage is the ability to take appropriate action in the midst of fear. Any soldier who tells you he or she has never been afraid in active combat; is a fool. Fear is an appropriate emotion in the midst of a life-threatening situation, but it is no way to live life though.

We must admit we are living during uncertain and even fearful times. We really don’t know what the future holds, but as believers we do know Who holds the future. God is in control and will relinquish that to no one. He watches out for His own and provides for each one as well. So how should we respond to uncertainty? Hold fast to the One who is “able to do abundantly more than we could think or imagine!” Stay close to Jesus and allow Him to direct your paths. Lean into the Lord for wisdom, comfort and strength. As David did - “encourage” yourself in the Lord!

I was speaking to a single Mom at one of our children’s bus stops this week and gave her some of that same advice. She mentioned that she had just lost her job the day before and didn’t know what she was going to do. I listened and told her how sorry I was to hear her news. I reminded her that God is for her and He will provide for her needs and to her encourage herself in Him. I offered to pray for her and did just that at the bus stop after the bus left. Today Robin took her a handwritten note card with these words of scripture…

“Do not fear for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Is. 41:10. This verse has been an inspiration to me many times. I pray it might be for you today as well. God is good ALL the time and ALL the time God is good! Who might you share the love of Christ with today?

In Christ’s Love,
Mark

P.S. What a beautiful sight to see all the Moms of our church at the altar last Sunday for Mother’s Day. Thanks to Terri Morton, Sharon Austin and all the Moms and daughters who participated in the Mother/Daughter Chorus, as well. It was beautiful. See you this Sunday as we celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ and the Nation of Israel!