Reflection of the week

By Linda Sutton

Posted Jun 21, 2017 in Faith

“The only thing we have to fear is… fear itself,” former United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said in his inaugural address.  

Fear can be a powerful force, and it can sometimes hold us back when we want to witness to faith in Jesus Christ.

“Fear not.” I found this reassuring advice in various forms throughout scripture – words said to Abraham and Sarah, to Jeremiah, and in the Psalms. The angels told shepherds to “Fear not”.

Jesus comforted his disciples with the words “be not afraid” as they accepted their commission to take the Good News to all nations – a task where hositility and opposition led to fear, something that may also be familiar to Christians in our time. But Jesus reassures us, as he reassured that small band of disciples, that he is with us “even unto the end of the age”.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I confess that fear sometimes paralyses me at times when I need to be bold in my witness to your grace. Uphold me with your powerful hand, as I trust in your promise to be with me always. In your name I pray. Amen.

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