Do Not Fear!

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV).

Unless you’ve been living under a rock completely cut off from the world, you recognize the picture I’ve chosen for today’s devotional. The various pictures we have seen come from an actual patient diagnosed with Coved-19. Samples of the virus and cells taken from this patient were photographed using two different kinds of high-resolution microscopes — the scanning electron microscope and the transmission electron microscope. Both use a focused beam of electrons rather than a beam of light to image samples. Most of the color has been added to provide contrast, though the shape is generally correct according to the CDC. It is microscopic in size; however, the impact on some is catastrophic. The idiom of “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog” comes to mind. Simply stated, fear comes in all shapes and sizes. Some people are afraid of snakes or spiders. Others may have a fear of heights, enclosed spaces, or public speaking. Many fear failure, change, dying, or being alone. Still others live each day in very real fear of persecution, oppression, discrimination, and physical harm. As we have discovered first-hand, this world can be a scary place, and fear is something we all must face. The Bible tells us, “Do not be afraid!” Again and again we read of God’s coming to his people with such comforting and empowering words as “Do not fear. I am with you. I am your God and will never forsake you. You are mine.” In the story of Jesus’ resurrection, both the angel at the tomb and Jesus on the road began their conversation with the women by saying, “Do not be afraid…” When the women approached the tomb early on the day of Jesus’ resurrection their encounter with the supernatural was overwhelming, and their fear was real. But the power of the resurrection assures us that the Lord cares for his people and is with them in whatever times may come. Because Jesus rose again and is with us always through his Holy Spirit (cf. Matthew 28:18-20), we can have freedom from fear because we are never alone. In God’s presence and strength we can face whatever comes. Be wise. Stay safe. And, do not fear!