In God We Trust
Our nation's entered a new era, one marked by terrorism, fear, and an uncertain future. But as Christians, we have every reason to face the future with hope, not fear. So TCW asked several prominent Christian leaders how believers can be confident in the midst of uncertainty. May their words help you face the new year—and whatever it may hold—with greater faith and hope.
—The Editors
Max Lucado
Jesus, the Ultimate Example
How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to his Father with his fears. Do the same with yours. Don't avoid the hardest times of life. Enter them. Just don't enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding the ground's permitted. Tears are allowed. Do what Jesus did; open your heart and pray to God. Be specific. Jesus was. God has plenty of time for details. He also has plenty of compassion. And he knows what you need.
Max Lucado, best-selling author. Adapted from his most recent book, Traveling Light (W Publishing)
Fern Nichols
Powerful Comfort
Memorizing Scripture's a wonderful way to dispel fear. Try Psalm 118:6-7: "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper." Or Psalm 4:8: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." If you can't sleep or are having nightmares, these great promises will comfort you. God's Word is a powerful weapon against fear. We can boldly proclaim, "[I] will have no fear of bad news; [my] heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. [My] heart is secure, [I] will have no fear" (Psalm 112:7-8).
Fern Nichols, founder and president of Moms in Touch International
Shirley Dobson
Control in the Chaos
The future will always be uncertain. While we may enjoy the illusion of safety, even in those moments, we're only a heartbeat away from eternity. That's why we must place our trust in God, knowing "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
God hasn't lost control of our circumstances. He's our shield and defender—even when chaos rages around us. Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Now, more than ever, we should pray for and encourage each other daily. The writer of reminds us, "let us not give up meeting together" (10:25). We need to be nurtured spiritually through our churches and other fellowship groups.
We can find comfort in Scripture's promise that our heavenly Father cares about every detail of our life. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." How can we not be confident about the future when we have this wonderful assurance?
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2002, January/February, Vol. 24, Issue 1, Page 42
Related Topics:
Confidence, Fear, Future, Hope, Trust
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