When I think of the Apostle Paul, fear isn't the first word that comes to mind.
I've grown up in church, I've heard all the great Sunday school stories about Paul. I listened as my teacher told me about the time Paul was on a ship in the midst of a terrible storm, a hurricane if you will. All the other people on the ship were afraid they were going to die...but not Paul. Paul fixed dinner for all 276 passengers and crew, he prayed for the meal and began to eat, the others on the ship were encouraged by Paul's faith and began to eat. It doesn't sound as if Paul was struggling with fear.
Time and time again Paul was placed in difficult situations. He was beaten, he was falsely accused, he was stoned, he was put in jail, he was brought to testify before governors and even Caesar. Through all those difficult situations we read of Paul boldly proclaiming the gospel of Christ. Paul was not timid, he was not weak (his strength came from the Lord - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10), and it does not seem as though he struggled with fear.
However, Acts 18:9-10 reveal something about Paul...
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”
While at Corinth, Paul must have been experiencing some level of fear due to the increasing Jewish opposition to his teaching. It was in the midst of this fear that the Lord came and spoke these great words of peace to his servant's heart. This tells me that any and every follower of Jesus can and most likely will experience fear at some point on their journey. Perhaps you will experience the fear of loss, the fear of rejection, the fear of not knowing the right answer, or even the fear of suffering and persecution.
Fear can be debilitating, it can keep you from moving forward, it will lead you to doubt God and trust yourself. Fear can make you feel alone and fear can result in despair and a sense of hopelessness.
If you're struggling with fear today, read the words that Jesus spoke to Paul once again and notice why the Lord told him not to fear...
- I am with you - These are the same words God used to comfort Moses and Joshua...why should you fear anything when the Almighty, Everlasting God is with you?
- No one will harm you - As a follower of Jesus Christ nothing can happen to you without God's divine permission (Job 1:10; 2:4-5). This provides great comfort, knowing that you are in God's supreme care.
- There are others - You are not alone...fear often isolates, but remember you are not the only one who has experienced or is experiencing difficult times. Reach out to your faith family and you will quickly realize that there are many that can relate to what you're dealing with. Be transparent and allow them love you, support you, pray for you and lock arms with you.
Paul was an incredible follower of Christ, but he experienced the same fear that has haunted you. Learn from the words of Christ, be encouraged and do not be afraid!
