Fear Not

"Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."

-- Exodus 20:20

New Year's Day is right around the corner, and many people are thinking about their resolutions for 2018. Popular goals include losing weight, learning a new language and landing a better job. And it all makes sense. After all, the New Year represents a clean slate with plenty of possibilities. But then again, it also awakens our fears of the unknown. Who really knows what tomorrow may bring? It's a scary question.

Speaking of fear, it's been said that the admonition Fear not appears in the Bible 365 times: one for each day of the year. Unfortunately, Christ-followers aren't immune from angst and dismay. In fact, it's safe to say that most Christ-followers are afraid of saying yes to God at one time or another. One problem is that we too often think of our Lord as a cosmic consultant who offers well-intentioned suggestions instead of being the all-knowing Creator who made us, loves us and wants only the best for us. But when you get down to it, saying no to God is perhaps the most basic illustration of sin. And mankind has been doing just that since those early days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

We know in our heads and in our hearts that God loves us. In fact, he loves us so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross to pay for our many failures in life. So with this in mind, why would anyone be afraid to say yes to God?

First, saying no and playing it safe is a basic human instinct. Fleeing from danger (real or perceived) is logical when we consider our innate desire for self-preservation. We also can say no to God when he calls us to do something that's uncomfortable or inconvenient. And that seems to be more often than not. Maybe it's his call to help a neighbor who's between jobs, drive a shut-in to the grocery store or talk with a co-worker who's at a spiritual crossroads. Taking that first step can be awkward, difficult--and sometimes even a bit frightening.

Perhaps selfishness is the biggest reason so many people are afraid to say yes to God. After all, agreeing with God often means we're disagreeing with ourself. But be forewarned: When we turn our back to God, we need to prepare for a certain level of spiritual storminess and turmoil. God knows what he wants and how he wants to do it. So we shouldn't be surprised when we find ourselves in a much worse situation after our refusal. As the saying goes, sometimes we need to feel the heat before we can see the light.

Are you afraid to say yes to God? You're not alone. And he'd like to talk with you about it:

"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart," we read in the Old Testament's Book of 1 Samuel. "Consider what great things he has done for you."

A New Year is almost here. Let's resolve to make the most of its opportunities by stepping out in faith and saying yes to God.