And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b ESV
Don't Let Fear Defeat You
What comes to your mind if I were to ask you to define the opposite of faith?
Many people would probably say “doubt” would be the polar opposite of faith. Skepticism that God even exists; uncertainty that the universe isn’t anything more than a happy accident. Suspicion that the universe consists of what we can touch, see or smell, and nothing more. Doubt that God really “rewards those that diligently seek Him.”
Doubt certainly seems to qualify as the opposite of faith. Jesus, however, seems to have a different perspective. One of Jesus’ biographers recorded His “parable of the talents” where Jesus implies that there’s something worse than doubt. Jesus points the finger at fear. Fear that the universe is horribly unfair, or that God judges too harshly. Fear that failure looms around the next corner.
Jesus knew what He was talking about. Fear paralyzes and demoralizes us. Fear keeps us from becoming all that God wants us to be. It stops us from accomplishing what He would have us do for His glory and honor. God is not pleased when we let fear put up roadblocks to doing what He’s asked us to do.
This is worth pondering and praying about. What talent, skill, gift or opportunity have I foregone or dismissed simply because pursuing it seemed risky? Have I dug a convenient hole where I can ignore my fear?
This Sunday at Trinity Downtown, we’ll be continuing our sermon series entitled “Oil & Water.” This weekend, we’ll be exploring what Jesus says about the destructive effect of fear in our lives. So please plan on joining us either in-person or virtually at Trinity Downtown this weekend at our contemporary service on Saturday at 5:00 pm or our traditional worship service on Sunday at 9:00 am. Reservations are required to attend either in-person worship service; you can see the details at www.trinitydt.org. You may also make a reservation by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684 from 8:30-2:30 each weekday. If you are not comfortable attending an in-person service, you can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here.
Get a fresh jolt of spiritual caffeine this weekend at Trinity Downtown as we celebrate God’s goodness and learn together how we can unbury our talents and focus on the joy instead of fear. Join us; it will make a tremendous difference in your life.