Jesus is More Powerful Than Our Fears

Do you remember your wedding vows? Remember promising faithfulness in sickness and health, joy and sorrow? If you’ve never said those vows, you’ve probably heard them.

Most who make those promises have no idea what they are getting themselves into. The innocence of married bliss and the fog of romance often keep newlyweds from thinking about the realities life can bring. Needless to say, it isn’t all sunshine and roses.

When Things Change

Sometimes life may seem the same way. We have grandiose plans from college to retirement, with little thought of anything slowing them down. Then, life sets in, and, like a spouse who didn’t pay attention to the vows, things change.

We may not have exchanged vows with life, but we still deal with sickness, health, joy, sorrow, richer, poorer, and the rest; Job loss, being sandwiched between growing kids and ailing parents, going back to school, dropping out of school. So many things don’t go as we thought they would. For many people, these unexpected changes bring fear. Fear comes with the unknown.

When Bad Days Come 

Tony Evans reminds us in Bible Studies for Life, “We can expect bad days, weeks, and even months. They come with living on a fallen earth with fallen humanity as a fallen child of the King. But we’re never to define peace by our circumstances. That’s because we have a far better source for peace–and for courage. In fact, it’s the only true Source.”¹

In John chapter 16, Jesus reveals to His disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit and what it would mean for them when He left. He knew they would be fearful at times, not always certain of what to do in His absence. In verse 33, Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (HCSB).

Then, Peace Comes

Jesus knows the kinds of surprises, changes, and hurtful things we will experience in our lives. He experienced persecution and trauma, and we will as well. Yet, we can experience the very same peace He has as the Prince of Peace. In another verse He says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.”²

And, lest we think these promises are for the Apostles only, we can turn to the epistles and see they are also for us. Paul wrote to the church at Rome, “The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”³ He also encouraged the Ephesians to keep “the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.”⁴ The writer of Hebrews said, “Pursue peace with everyone,”⁵ while James reminds us, “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.”⁶

We also should not forget most of the epistles opened and/or ended with prayers or greetings of peace, specifically God’s peace.

Though life may not bring what we expect at every turn, we need not live in fear. Jesus gives peace like no other, and in Him we can fully trust.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd

Senior Pastor, Cross Church

General Editor, Bible Studies for Life

President, Southern Baptist Convention

 

References

¹– Bible Studies for Life, Like No Other, Tony Evans
²-John 14:27
³-Romans 15:33
⁴-Ephesians 4:3
⁵-Hebrews 12:14
⁶-James 3:18