Fear Blinds, Faith Sees (Is 7:4) by Pastor Don Bird

15 Jul Fear Blinds, Faith Sees (Is 7:4) by Pastor Don Bird

“Take care you remain faithful and do not fear; let not your courage fail…” ~ Is 7:4 (full readings)
.
Pastor Don’s Reflections:  When this devotion comes out, I will be in Kenya doing mission work.  I have been excited about joining the mission team from my church as we celebrate the opening of a new church in Chuka (which our church has helped to build) and working at the schools providing repairs and trying to build new water systems.  I love international missions and I approach the work with a sense of excitement and joy.  There are many that are close to me that do not, however.  Not because they do not see the value in the work, but because they fear the work is too dangerous.  Words like terrorism, lack of security, and disease are used to caution me in my travels to a distant country.  I appreciation their love and concern and I know it comes from a deep love for me.  However, I am reminded when I hear those words of how often we are driven and controlled by the fear that is in our own hearts.  When we listen to the fear, it can easily become a barrier to God’s mission and work in the world.  We begin to tremble like the “trees in the forest tremble in the wind.”  Ahaz allowed fear to lead him into an alliance with Pul, even though he had been warned that only God could secure his safety.  His lack of faith would keep his generation from experiencing the glorious future that the Davidic line would experience in the coming of Immanuel.  Fear can keep us from the future God has for us and for those whom God has called us to share the message of grace and new life.  So many are fearful of the darkness and storms they find themselves in that they make decisions that will keep them from experiencing the light and glory of God.  Fear blinds.  Faith sees.  As we encounter those who are living in the fear of an unwanted pregnancy, may we come alongside them, pray with them, and help them embrace the life God offers…giving them the opportunity to live into the glorious future God promises for their life and the life growing within them.
* Pastor Don Bird is the Lead Pastor at Hope United Methodist Church in Greenwood Village, CO.  He lives in Aurora, CO with his wife of 17 years, Mandy, and his two children, Ethan and Haleigh..
..
Faith Challenge: Help women see the Truth who are blinded by the fear of an unwanted pregnancy.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
.
Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
.
Feast Day:  St. Bonaventure
.
Faith Quote:  “With faith in your heart, you will move mountains.  When fear fills your heart, mountains will move you.” ~ Anonymous
.
Through Christ our Lord,
Pastor Don
1 John 3:18