I had once been an atheist actor in the entertainment industry and my purpose in life had been defined by my resume. In 2004, Christ Jesus saved me from myself. I now preach GOD's Word and my purpose is found in dying to myself daily while living for others.
Someone wrote to me, “Do you think that if we fear we are not saved it is a sign we are not saved, since perfect love casts out fear?”
That’s a fair question. I see how that might seem confusing to some people. Now, in order to answer this question thoroughly, I believe I need to address three things:
[1] the feeling or emotion of fear;
[2] 1John 4:18 (the Scripture you cited);
[3] the concern of being saved.
[1] The feeling or emotion of fear:
The Bible informs us about two different types of fears: one is good and encouraged; the other can be good but it can also be a hinderance we need to overcome. The first type of fear is the fear of the Lord. For the sake of time, I’m not going to expound upon this one (I can discuss that in a separate article if that’s something you want to know about), but suffice it say that this is a reverent awe and respect of GOD. Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because it gets us into alignment with GOD’s absolute moral standard (Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 14:26-27; Acts 9:31). If you desire to examine the depth beyond the surface regarding absolute morality, as it turns out, I wrote an article on that: Morality (Moral Law).
The second type of fear is one of emotion. It can be good if the fear within us is given by the Holy Spirit in order to redirect us away from danger. An example of this might be when you’re walking down a street at night by yourself and you encounter a person who causes the hair on the back of your neck to stand up and it produces this fear to stir within you and then in your spirit you feel compelled to flee from this person because you believe this person desires to cause you harm. That type of fear can be healthy and good.
However, an example of how fear can be a hinderance that needs to be overcome would be our irrational fears of people’s opinions about us or the unnecessary fear that we might die today. There are many Scriptures which remind us not to fear our enemies because ultimately, we know that we’re in GOD’s hand — and that’s the best place we can be! An example of this can be seen in Exodus 14:13: “But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today.’ ” And they walked confidently through the parted sea away from Pharaoh and his chariots. And so the fear we need to overcome is the fear that would take away from our confidence and faith in the Lord. Therefore, we all need discernment regarding fear. Fear can be a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing — it’s all dependent upon the specific circumstance. We must be Spirit-led when it comes to this issue of fear.
[2] 1John 4:18: “17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”
When this verse says that perfect love casts out fear, this is in reference to the day of judgment (as verse 17 clarifies). And this is “so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment.” And so this fear is one that involves our punishment on the day of judgment, and thus verse 18 tells us, “the one who fears is not perfected in love.” Why is this? Because we know that we have placed our complete faith in the finished works of Jesus’s death and resurrection. And why did Jesus do that for us? Because as it is written in John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged.” And it is for this reason that Hebrews 4:16 says, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Therefore, we do not fear our day of judgment because we have placed our complete faith in the Lord and we know GOD is love (1John 4:8,16). And so on the day of judgment when we will account for everything we’ve ever said and done, though we may feel humbled and remorse for all that we know we have done wrong, we should also be extremely joyful and grateful on the day of judgment because we have this confidence that Jesus died for us out from His love for us (Romans 5:6-8).
[3] The concern of being saved: If you fear that you might not be saved, then please read my other article: “How Do I Know If I’m Saved?“
If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…
Do you believe in miracles? If you struggle with believing in miracles, see my other article, “Miracles Or Myths?“, which addresses the challenge of believing in miracles. But for this article, I’m starting with the assertion that miracles are not only possible, but that we should expect miracles from the GOD of miracles.
Think about this: what is the distance between you and the miracle you need? Not the miracle you want, but the miracle you need. I would argue that the distance between you and that miracle is the length of your obedient faith-filled walk. That distance is different for each person, depending upon each person’s circumstance. Understand this: the miracle will always be found between the the point of doubt/fear and your destination. The miracle will never be found between your starting point and doubt/fear. The miracle will always be found after the point in which a person desires to quit. The miracles in life can only be found while moving forward in faith beyond the point of doubt/fear.
When the time comes that you feel lost or abandoned, filled with doubt and fear, as if everything is working against you, you don’t understand how anything could possibly work out in your favor, and you feel like you want to quit, that will be your moment to realize that your miracle is ahead! There are miracles planned for your life that you know nothing about. GOD is so loving and giving that He planted treasures in your timeline for you to find as you go through life.
Old Testament Biblical Examples
(Read: Genesis 22: 1-19):
As a test of faith, GOD had instructed Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham traveled to the alter and was about to use the knife on Isaac when an angel of GOD prevented Abraham from completing the sacrifice, saving the life of Isaac. GOD already had the real sacrifice there waiting for Abraham, but he didn’t see the miracle of the ram stuck in a bush until he arrived at the alter. One must be willing to sacrifice his/her own plan if that person is to ever receive GOD’s plan.
(Read: Exodus 14: 5-31):
Moses led the Israelites out of slavery from the Egyptian Pharaoh to a dead end at the Red Sea. The Egyptians were chasing the Israelites and the Israelites didn’t have anywhere to go because they were trapped between the Egyptians and the Red Sea. The parting of the Red Sea didn’t occur until they were at the Red Sea. The miracle did not happen until they arrived at the water’s edge. Had Moses succumbed to doubt and fear and decided not to progress forward in faith, the miracle never would have happened. One must be willing to move forward in faith beyond doubt/fear if that person is to ever receive a miracle.
(Read: Exodus 16):
While the Israelites were wandering through the desert of Sin, GOD sent manna to them each morning and quail each evening. However, they were told only to collect the amount of food they needed for the day and not to save any for the next day. That requires faith. If in faith, you believe that GOD’s miracle will arrive tomorrow, then there will be no need to hold on to the blessing of today. Why did GOD tell them to finish what they had each night? Because GOD wants you to have your fill of delight each and every night! You can fill up every night on GOD’s promises and GOD will still have more blessings for you the next day. We must believe that GOD will come through for us with our daily needs. One must be willing to have faith for today if that person is to receive the miracle of tomorrow.
(Read: Joshua 6: 1-17)
GOD instructed the Israelites to march around the walls of Jericho for 6 days without speaking and then to shout on the 7th day. The walls of Jericho fell on the 7th day when they all shouted. But 6 days without speaking wasn’t an easy task to complete. No talking while marching around the walls… not even a whisper. How do you think you would have reacted if you were one of the soldiers given those orders? No communication for six days meant that they had six days only to think. So, what happens in that situation when it’s silent? I don’t know how you would react, but I know what could happen in that type of situation: some people would start thinking, analyzing, and thoughts of doubt and fear would creep into their head. Without speaking, it’s extremely challenging to encourage one another and motivate each other. This particular task of faith is extremely challenging if you truly put yourself in their shoes and think about what they experienced. It’s mentally challenging. Unlike the youth of today, the army didn’t have earphones playing music to distract them from their own thoughts. No. The entire time they weren’t speaking, they were thinking. However, The devil would have been speaking! Demons would have been speaking into their thoughts, attempting to convince them of lies. Put yourself in their shoes. After a while, you would probably begin to feel stupid and think of doing something else, something that would ‘work,’ right? Or perhaps you would be strong enough to do what they did, but you can also acknowledge how difficult it would have been, right? But… the soldiers followed Joshua’s orders. They followed the task of obedience and the task of faith. The miracle only happens after the act of obedience through faith. One must be willing to be silent long enough in order to hear the movement of the miracle. Can you hear the miracle coming?
(Read: 1Kings 17: 2-9)
GOD instructed Elijah to hide by the Kerith brook and that he could drink the water from the stream and that crows would feed him until the day GOD was ready to send him elsewhere. The miracle of the crow bringing Elijah food did not occur until Elijah was already at the Kerith brook. After a while, GOD instructed Elijah to go to a certain widow’s home and that she would feed him. One must be willing to relocate to where GOD will be found if that person is to receive a miracle from GOD.
(Read: 1Kings 17: 10-16)
GOD instructed Elijah to go to Zarephath and that a widow there would feed him. The widow in Zarephath did welcome Elijah, but she told him that all she had left to her name was a little bit of flour in a jar and little bit of oil in a jug. Elijah recognized the moment for a miracle and told her to give him all she had and in return, her jar of flour and jug of oil would never run out until GOD sent rain on the land again. The miracle of unlimited flour and oil would never have happened if the widow didn’t put GOD’s Kingdom first and feed Elijah in faith, believing that GOD would provide. One must be willing to let go of the natural he/she desires or possesses if that person is to ever receive the supernatural GOD is offering.
(Read: 2Kings 4: 1-7)
A widow was unable to pay her debt and her two children were about to become slaves to the debt collector. Elisha asked her what she had and then he used it – she had only a jar of olive oil.That lady didn’t even have flour! All she had was some oil. Elisha instructed her to borrow as many empty containers as she could from her neighbors and then to pour her oil in those containers. The amount of containers she gathered ended up being the amount of oil she collected. The widow was able to pay her debt and live off the extra profit because she followed through in faith. The amount of containers she collected revealed the amount of faith she had in the miracle she needed to receive. One must be willing to collect and build faith if that person is to receive a large miracle.
(Read: Daniel 3)
King Nebuchadnezzar threatened Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that he would throw them into the blazing fire of the furnace if they didn’t worship the idol he set up. Not only did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the idol, but they proclaimed in faith that GOD could rescue them from being burned alive if GOD desired to do so. King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fire! Please allow that to sink in. The three men of faith were thrown into the fire! Most people would lose faith and give up on the miracle the moment they were being grabbed to be thrown into the fire. As the three men of faith were being grabbed and thrown into the fire, they decided in that moment to increase their faith, not decrease their faith or lose it altogether. And GOD was with them in the fire. The miracle arrived while inside the fire. One must be willing to go through Hell and endure fiery pain in order to obtain the miracle.
New Testament Biblical Examples
(Read: John 2: 1-12)
Jesus’ first miracle was when He transformed water into wine at a wedding. He instructed servants to pour water into containers, draw some out in a cup and take the cup of water to the master of the banquet (the person in charge). The miracle happened either on the way there or once they arrived. However, I believe that the water turned into wine when the cup was handed to the master of the banquet. It’s one thing to walk with a cup of water over to the master of the banquet, but it’s another to hand that cup to the master of the banquet. It required true faith to hand the cup of water to the master of the banquet and that’s why I believe the miracle arrived in that exact moment. The miracles of GOD seem to happen at the last possible moment when a decision of faith must cause one to show his/her faith or reveal the doubt within. One must be willing to follow through on the initial faith in order to initiate the miracle.
(Read: Matthew 14: 22-32)
Jesus walked on water and Peter asked if he could join Him. Jesus told Peter to get out of the boat and to walk on water by faith. Peter walked on water for a short amount of time due to his faith. One must desire to join Jesus and be willing to walk with Jesus if that person is to ever experience the supernatural miracle that’s beyond the natural expectations.
(Read: Matthew 15: 21-28)
The faith of the Canaanite woman healed her daughter because she refused to accept anything less than a miracle. One must be willing to expect the love of GOD and accept nothing less than the expectation of GOD’s love if that person is to ever receive a miracle.
(Read: Mark 10: 46-52)
Blind Bartimaeus heard Jesus walk by and he begged Jesus for healing. The people in the crowd told Bartimaeus to shut up, but he kept shouting for Jesus despite what the crowd was shouting at him. Jesus then told the crowd to tell Bartimaeus to come to Him. Jesus healed Bartimaeus due to his faith, but only after he walked over to Jesus. One must be willing to ignore the noise of the mindless crowd if that person is to ever hear from the Holy One. One must be willing to walk by faith and not by sight toward Jesus if that person is to ever receive a miracle.
(Read: Luke 5: 17-26)
Four men carried a paralytic man to a location where Jesus was teaching. It was too crowded to enter the house; therefore, they made an opening through the roof and lowered the paralytic man down directly in front of Jesus. Due to their faith, Jesus healed that paralytic man. One must be willing to take extraordinary risks in this natural life if that person is to ever receive anything extraordinary and supernatural (miracle).
(Read: Luke 7: 1-10)
A Centurion told Jesus (via a messenger) that Jesus didn’t need to come in order for the miracle to happen. The Roman army officer knew that if Jesus simply spoke the word, healing would happen. And Jesus was impressed by his faith and then healed the man’s servant from a distance. One must be willing to believe that the miracle is already on the way if that person is to ever receive that miracle.
(Read: Luke 17: 11-17)
Ten men with leprosy called out to Jesus, begging to be healed. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests. The miracle of healing happened as they were walking toward the priests. Put your action where your faith is at! One must be willing to walk the talk and go the distance if that person is to ever receive a miracle. One must be willing to take action based on belief!
(Read: John 9)
Jesus used his saliva and dirt to create mud and then He placed the mud in the eyes of a blind man. After Jesus placed the mud in that man’s eyes, He told that man to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The miracle of sight didn’t happen until the man traveled to the pool and did as Jesus instructed. The DNA of Christ Jesus went into the blind man’s eyeballs – the DNA of Jesus entered that man! The washing at the pool of Siloam was symbolic for baptism. One must be willing to set his/her sight on Jesus if that person is to ever see a miracle. One must be willing to accept Christ within him/her if that person is to ever see clearly. One must be willing to repent and be baptized and wash him/herself clean of his/her old life if that person is to ever receive the miracle of the new life. One must be willing to take action based on belief!
Summary
Do you need a miracle? Increase your faith in the One who creates miracles!
“Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.’ ”
(Matthew 17:20) –NLT
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
(Luke 17:6) –NIV
“But Jesus was matter-of-fact: ‘Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, “Go jump in the lake,” and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.’ ”
(Matthew 21:21-22) –MSG
“Nothing is impossible for God!”
(Luke 1:37) –CEV
“Jesus replied, ‘Why do you say “if you can”? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!’ “ (Mark 9:23) –CEV
“I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you so that the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.”
(John 14:12-14) –NCV
“My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you?”
(James 2:14) –CEV
Life Application
Are you willing to set aside your own plan in order to receieve GOD’s plan for your life?
Are you able to cast out doubt and fear?
Do you believe that GOD is working in your life even right now in this very moment?
Are you able to be silent long enough to hear the movement of the miracle?
Are you willing to relocate to where GOD will be found or are you trying to force GOD to work where you desire to be?
Are you willing to seek first the Kingdom of GOD and put GOD’s will before your list of wants?
Are you willing to go out and collect your faith in order to build your miraculous moment?
Are you willing to go through Hell and endure fiery pain in order to obtain your miracle?
Are you willing to follow through on your faith even if the situation seems hopeless?
Are you able to ignore the noise of the mindless crowd in order to hear from the Lord?
Are you willing to believe GOD is working on your behalf even if you don’t see it?
Are you willing to take extraordinary risks in order to receive extraordinary results?
Are you willing to take action based on your belief?
The miracle is always produced from obedience through faith. Without faith, you will never receive the miracle. Today, I challenge you to step out in faith and proclaim your miracle! If you need a miracle, then step out in faith right now! Expect a miracle! Accept nothing less than GOD’s love for you! Like blind Bartimaeus, call to Jesus with passion and belief! If you need a miracle, then in the name of Jesus, by the power of GOD-Almighty, I proclaim your miracle for you! If you need to walk again, may you get up and walk! If you need healing, may you proclaim your healing and be healed! GOD is the same miracle-creating GOD of yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)! Oh yes – miracles are possible! Anything is possible with GOD so long as it is in alignment with His will! Seek the Lord in prayer!
But above all else, we need to pray that GOD’s will be done, not our own (Matthew 26:39,42,44). Above all else, we need to be able to have so much faith in GOD that we can say with confidence the words that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego spoke in that our GOD is able, but even if GOD doesn’t act on our behalf, our faith will never fail (Daniel 3:17-18)! The miracle is ahead! Whether the miracle is in this lifetime or the next, I do not know, but the miracle is ahead!
If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…
This is Part 18 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth. In Part 16, we saw that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In Part 17, we saw that superheroes are always ready to walk with purpose.
In this message (Part 18), we will see that superheroes are always ready to deflect the enemy’s attacks by holding up the shield of faith.
Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, we are now instructed to take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
Marvel’s superhero, Captain America, has protected himself from the enemy’s blows many times thanks to the covering provided by his shield. As superheroes who sail for the Savior, we also find protection under the covering of the Shield. Just as the shield of a Roman soldier rested on a small clip attached to his loinbelt when it wasn’t in use, our shield of faith is attached to the Belt of Truth. The conclusion is simple but extremely important to understand: your faith is attached to GOD’s Word. And we are instructed to take up the shield of faith. In other words, faith is the shield. But what is faith?
What Is Faith?
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) -ESV
GOD’s Word provides the definition of faith while the direction of faith is implied by the context of everything else found within the Bible. Simply put, faith is believing that and trusting in. This definition of faith contains two aspects: intellectual assent and trust. Intellectual assent is believing something to be true. Trust is actually relying on the fact that the something is true. A bridge can help illustrate this point. Intellectual assent is recognizing that a bridge is a bridge and agreeing that it is designed to support a person who walks across on it. Believing that a bridge is designed to support the weight of a person who walks across on that bridge is the intellectual assent. But actually walking across the bridge is trusting in the bridge that it will actually support your weight and you will not fall through to your death.
Faith In What Or Whom?
It’s not enough to merely have faith. Who or what we have faith in matters. Muslims place their faith in Muhammad and Allah, Hindus place their faith in a multitude of different gods and/or goddesses, and even atheists possess faith. For example, atheists would need to have faith that everything was created by nothing, out of nothing, and for no purpose or that the universe has always eternally existed, yet it exists without reason. They would also need to have faith that everything in nature with a design is without a Designer. Atheists would need to have faith that materials could somehow collaborate in order to generate life which produces emotions, thoughts, and a will to act. They would also need to have faith that mere matter in the shape of a brain is capable of producing thoughts and that those thoughts are somehow material rather than immaterial. Atheists also place their faith in their own bodies, believing that they can fall asleep at night and still wake up breathing the next day. They also possess faith by trusting that the food another person made for him/her isn’t poisoned, that friends or co-workers aren’t engaged in a conspiracy to harm him/her, that the law of gravity won’t suddenly stop working as expected, or even that the sun won’t explode today. Every time an atheist makes plans for the future, they are doing so in faith that tomorrow exists. Many atheists also possess faith that they were created via purposeless evolution yet somehow evolved with the purpose of becoming better and better as time goes on. Oddly enough, some atheists even have faith that life on other planets exist without having any proof of such life in existence. In fact, many atheists have faith that black holes exist even though they have no personal experience that would allow them to believe in such a thing. So, in whom or what should we place our faith? It matters. Should we place our faith in our works? In religion? Well, for Christians, this faith that is our shield is not mere belief that GOD exists; rather, it is the belief that GOD exists and the trust in GOD that He will ultimately bring about what is best and what is right. Our faith is in Jesus.
Believing that Jesus was a historical figure who died from crucifixion is not enough. Even the demons believe that GOD is real and Jesus died on a cross (James 2:19). As I stated in my other article, “What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?“, belief is only the beginning in a Christian’s walk of faith; in fact, faith will launch the Christian into action. A Christian is also to perpetuate a healthy habit of confessing his/her sins, repent from sinning, walk by faith, live righteously, and live out the great commandment of loving GOD and loving others while fulfilling the great commission. Belief is only the first half – trust is the other half! We must personally and fully rely on the death of Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We must not merely believe that Jesus is the Bridge, but also walk across the Bridge of salvation which Jesus graciously provides to the other side, trusting in the Bridge to support us and save us. This is saving faith. The faith GOD requires of us for salvation is belief in what the Bible says about who Jesus is and what He accomplished and fully trusting in Jesus for that salvation (Acts 16:31). Why is this definition of faith so important? Why must trust of the unseen promise accompany acknowledgment of facts? Because “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith, we cannot be saved (John 3:16). Without faith, the Christian life cannot be what GOD intends it to be.
Back in ancient Greece, each Spartan hoplite came together to form a phalanx. Their trust was in each other and each individual man held up his shield with all of the other shields coming together to form one larger shield. A man didn’t just believe that other Spartans were around him, but he believed in those other Spartans to see what he didn’t see and protect him as they fought with him. As Christians, we can also come together to form a faithful phalanx; in fact, GOD’s Word instructs us to do so (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). However, we must all come together with our trust ultimately in the Lord because it is only through the Lord that we will be saved (Psalm 118:8-9; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith is the shield; our faith is in Jesus; therefore, Jesus is the Shield. All throughout the Bible, it is written that GOD is our shield (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; 2Samuel 22:3,31; Psalm 3:3; 5:12; 7:10; 18:2,30,35; 28:7; 33:20; 84:9,11; 91:4; 115:9-11; 119:114; 144:2; Proverbs 2:7; 30:5). Jesus is GOD; therefore, Jesus is the Shield.
Take It Up!
Again, belief is only the beginning in a Christian’s walk of faith; in fact, faith will launch the Christian into action. Is this shield of faith a given? No. We are instructed to “take up” the shield. If you don’t pick the shield up and hold it up, it won’t do you any good. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26) because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart; a truly transformed life of faith is demonstrated by the works we do and is showcased by our fruit (John 15:8). How we live reveals what we believe and whether the faith we profess to have is a living faith.
Big Faith = Big Shield:
An illustration of a gladiator warrior character or sports mascot in a trojan or Spartan style helmet holding a sword and shield
There were typically two kinds of shields used in ancient warfare: one was smaller, carried upon the arm, and which could be moved and used with little effort in order to protect particular parts of the body; the other one was large, planted in front of the soldier and covered the whole person. It is the latter which is referred to in the text, as the word which describes it clearly shows. The word for “shield” is taken from the Greek word thureos, which was used by the Greeks to refer to a door that was wide in width and long in length. Paul paints a picture that the soldier was inaccessible and untouchable because it completely covered the soldier. And that is the kind of shield which Paul instructs us to have. Our shield is not just for small and specific protection for a particular part of the body; rather, our shield is to be a great barrier that covers us completely. So, how do we get this large shield? The greater the faith, the larger the covering of the shield. But what does great faith look like? Believe it or not, it looks like a child. We need faith like that of a child (Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 10:15). The Father wants what is best for you and will provide covering. At the end of it all, Jesus has made us a Home to dwell in for eternity (John 14:2). Seek GOD, rely on Him, and trust in Him. Just as children trust their earthly fathers, we should trust that our “Father who is in heaven [will] give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:7-11). Children don’t typically ever doubt that their parents are going to love them and do what is best and what is right for their sake. Likewise, we don’t ever need to doubt that our Father in Heaven will do what is best and right for our sake (Luke 11:11-13).
Big Shield = Big Responsibility:
In the majority of cases, the Roman soldier’s shield was composed of multiple layers – usually six layers – of thick animal hide that had been tightly woven together. These layers were woven so tight that they became almost as strong as steel. Though strong and durable, the shield needed care. Because the Roman soldier’s shield was made of leather, it was important for the soldier to take good care of it. Being leather, it could eventually become stiff and breakable over a period of time. If dried out, it would form cracks and become unreliable. Consequently, a soldier had to maintain his shield by rubbing oil into the leather to keep it soft, supple, and pliable. Likewise, we need to maintain our faith with fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. Without daily anointing of the Holy Spirit, your faith will become hard, stiff, brittle, and breakable. A faith-life that is ignored nearly always breaks and leaves a person vulnerable during battle with the enemy. Too many believers make the incredibly tragic mistake of thinking they can stay under constant protective covering and keep moving forward in the walk with GOD on the steam of their past experiences, but no believer can fuel the fire of the faith-furnace on past experiences. Our walk with GOD is an ever-present daily experience. Therefore, make sure you spend time alone with GOD every day in the Word and in prayer.
Faith Deflects Fiery Darts:
What are the fiery darts? Doubt? Fear? Perhaps a professor launches challenging questions that shake your faith? Maybe you suddenly lose your stable job? Perhaps there is an unexpected death of a loved one? Maybe a natural disaster tears apart your home? Regardless of what these darts are, they are all surprise attacks from Satan, an ambush from the adversary. While under attack, people tend to wonder if GOD is there, aware, or even cares. If these fiery darts are not blocked, they will pierce and penetrate.
Ancient soldiers used the large shield to hide under when archers would launch a barrage of arrows toward them. In the 2006 movie, 300, even the courageous Spartans had been temporarily immobilized while hiding under their shields from arrows that rained down on them from the Persians. But as soon as the arrows stopped, they were able to march forward once again.
Scripture warns us that these arrows launched by Satan from the fiery pits of Hell are themselves fiery. The Greek word used to describe these particular “darts” is a specific and ancient word of warfare. Thucydides, the ancient Greek writer, used the identical Greek expression to depict especially terrible arrows that were equipped to carry fire. All fires start with either a single spark or a flickering flame that fans out. The goal of the arrows of fire is to cease progress of the soldiers and make sure the army doesn’t advance forward. If the soldiers can’t advance forward in the moment, they might just believe that they will never be able to advance forward and then decide to retreat and flee in fear or surrender in submission. If the fiery dart enters you, it would seem that the fire would burn within you and consume you just as the fire of Hell would also consume you. Fire-bearing arrows were used to inflict damage and/or destruction on a fortified place or an encampment. And since your body is the living temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 6:19), Satan desires to burn the building down.
Before a Roman soldier went out to war, he typically placed his shield in water and allowed it to become saturated. The reason for this is because the enemies used arrows that carried fire. But even when those flaming arrows came at the soldier, the saturated surface of the shield would help extinguish the flaming arrow, or at the very least, prevent the flame from transferring from that arrow to him. Likewise, we need to keep our shield of faith completely saturated with “the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Our Word-saturated shields possess the power to extinguish the flaming arrows, or at the very least, prevent us from being consumed by the fire. Think about it: the shield is maintained by oil and water. The oil symbolizes the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and the water symbolizes GOD’s Word. Are you maintaining your shield? Preventative maintenance is better than corrective surgery. Do not wait until you see the cracks in your shield before you decide to care for it. All the enemy needs to penetrate the fortified structure of your living temple is one opening.
Another thought regarding these fiery darts is that this might be a reference to arrows with poison tips. This is also a good analogy. The poison of fear spreads just as fast as fire, if not faster. For this reason, ancient Israelite soldiers were commanded to go home and not join in the battle if they were full of fear (Deuteronomy 20:8). However, GOD’s Word repeatedly informs us that we are not to fear. In fact, the phrase “do not fear” is found 38 times in the Bible (ESV), the phrase “do not be afraid” is found 33 times, and the phrase “fear not” is found 34 times. Those alone add to 105 times we are told not to fear. But then if we add how many times we have been commanded not to worry, not to be anxious, or that we should rely upon GOD, the picture becomes clear: we are not to fear. In fact, Jesus provides a good reason why we shouldn’t fear finite and fallible humans:
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28; see also, Luke 12:5) -ESV
From the beginning until the end, GOD has been in control and always will be in control. The first fiery dart Satan ever launched at humanity was aimed at the heart and this is why the heart is the start and we must wear the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts. Knowing how much GOD loved Adam and Eve, Satan targeted Adam and Eve. Knowing how much Adam loved Eve, Satan targeted Eve. The first fiery dart was doubt, denial, and deception (Genesis 3:1). The second fiery dart was pride (Genesis 3:5). The ultimate end goal of all fiery darts is to first tear your life apart and then tear you away from GOD. In fact, this is evident in the book of Job; Satan desired to tear Job’s life apart with intentions of ultimately tearing Job away from GOD. And GOD allowed Satan to launch his fiery arrows at Job so that He could prove that He is our Shield by protecting Job from his accuser. GOD’s reversal tactic was also revealed in Jesus. Jesus allowed death to overcome Him (John 10:18) so that He could in turn conquer death (Luke 24:5-7). From the beginning, GOD allowed the temporary separation of humanity from Him so that He can conquer evil and reunite us all with Him under His covering. The complete picture of our story reveals GOD’s power and love as our Shield.
The Shield Is Spiritual:
A common misconception about the shield of faith is that this shield will protect us from all physical follies and mayhem from mismanagement. The shield of faith is, in fact, spiritual. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held up their shields of faith while in the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them in the fire if they did not fall down and worship the gods and the golden image he set up. The three men of faith essentially responded by proclaiming that GOD could remove them from physical harm if He wanted to do so, but that even if GOD didn’t save them from the physical fire, they knew they would never encounter the spiritual fire of Hell (Daniel 3:17-18). It is important to realize that these men of faith were thrown into the physical fire. Their faith did not prevent them from experiencing the physical fire in the furnace. In this specific story, GOD miraculously intervened and acted as their physical shield. But that’s not always the case.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were mentioned in the book of Daniel and so Daniel should also be examined. Daniel also held up his shield of faith in the den with lions (Daniel 6:22). But why? Because he refused to cave into demands to worship the king and was discovered praying to GOD (Daniel 6:11). If society ever gets to that point again, we must know how to respond in faith so that we will honor the Lord rather than people (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29). Remember: Jesus told us that if we refuse to acknowledge Him before people on Earth, He won’t acknowledge us before the Father in Heaven (Matthew 10:32-33).
What fiery darts have you experienced? If you haven’t experienced any fiery darts, I assure you that you most certainly will. Fiery darts look a lot like persecution and/or tribulation. It would be an enormous mistake to assume that the shield of faith completely covers our earthly bodies or physical possessions. The shield of faith is a spiritual shield and covers our soul in eternity. Both apostle Paul and the Lord Jesus warned us in advance that in this life, we will have trouble and experience pain and suffering; however, Jesus also gave us a promise and a reason to trust in Him:
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2Timothy 3:12) -ESV
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) -NLT
Is your shield of faith paper thin and easy to tear apart or is it like Captain America’s shield and able to withstand the hardest of blows? Is it oiled and saturated and able to extinguish the flaming arrows? How confident is your trust in the Lord? This shield doesn’t just stop the arrows, but it also extinguishes the fire. It’s easy to have faith when everything seems to be going right, but how is your faith when it all starts to fall apart? When everything seems to be at its worst, do you trust GOD to have your best interest? Consider the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. What can we learn from the heroes of faith?
GOD declares us righteous when we have faith and trust in Him (Genesis 15:6). What you do cannot be separated from what you believe (Deuteronomy 27:9-10; Matthew 7:21). Jesus said no one’s faith in Israel was greater than the centurion who believed Jesus could accomplish His will by mere command from a distance (Luke 7: 2-10). We need to move from belief that to trust in. Are you willing to walk on the Bridge, even if that bridge appears to be shaky and unreliable? Even if there are gaps between the planks? In China, there exists a bridge that’s about 500 feet high with gaps between the planks. On this bridge, many people challenge themselves to walk by faith:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
(Proverbs 3:5-7) -ESV
Understand this: GOD doesn’t promise us explanations for everything, but He does promise us an escape for whatever may come our way (1Corinthians 10:13). If the escape happens to be death, then life still awaits us:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
(John 11:25-26) -ESV
It all boils down to trust in GOD. We know that all things are possible with GOD (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37). In fact, greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1John 4:4)!
The one being protected by the shield is unable to fight. Getting behind the shield is a purely defensive position and all trust is placed in the shield. Sometimes we just need to wait until the fiery arrows stop falling. Not all superheroes are witnessed flying in action; not all boxers are seen swinging. Boxers sometimes need to take up their gloves and block the opponent’s attacks. While behind the Shield, we simply need to be still and know that GOD is GOD (Psalm 37:5-7; 46:10).
We may have pain and suffering in this lifetime, but the final outcome is that we are more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37) and we win in the end. Jesus will wipe away every tear and we will live in eternal joy (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 7:17; 21:4). Our faith is in Jesus and His promise of our eternal joy. The shield of faith is constructed by our belief and is held together by every word of GOD. But do you know GOD’s Word? What’s holding your belief together? What transforms your belief into trust?
And because the shield of faith is so important, it is written that above all, or in all circumstances, we are to take up the shield of faith. The phrase Paul used is taken from the Greek phrase epi pasin. The word epi means over. The word pasin means all or everything. Rather than referring to being more important than the other pieces of armor, the phrase epi pain describes position over the other pieces of armor. Therefore, it means that this shield is out in front as a covering. Faith is meant to be out in front! Faith was never meant to be held next to your side or to be timidly held behind your back. Faith is our covering. Are you covered? For a soldier in GOD’s army (or any army), the shield is not optional – it’s a requirement. Paul wrote to Timothy and emphasized the importance of this shield: “wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith” (1Timothy 1:18-19). In other words, by ignoring or neglecting the maintaining of their faith, some brothers and sisters in the Lord freely chose to travel down the wrong path that eventually led them to being vulnerable to the enemy’s attack. Again, remember that preventative maintenance on a ship is better than an emergency evacuation plan due to the ship sinking out of neglect from proper inspection and correction.
So, does the Shield of Faith work? In the words of Peggy Carter from the 2011 movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, after firing a gun at Steve Rogers while he was holding the shield in front of him, I will also say, “Yes, I think it works.”
If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below:
This is Part 5 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love.
In this message (Part 5), I’m going to examine another defining characteristic of superheroes: they are solution seekers!
Solution seeker! Yes! Being a solution-seeker is a great concept and a wonderful thing to write on a resume! But there’s one problem: we often worry about what’s wrong. Many people are prone to pointing out problems. In fact, I just pointed out a problem by pointing out that problem. (Oh no! That’s a problem!) But wait – there’s more! I have good news to share! Where there are problems, there can be solutions! In fact, here is a solution to problems: Never point out a problem unless you’re also willing to seek a solution. At the very least, you must be willing to seek a solution to a problem or else you become the problem. For the one who refuses to seek a solution accepts the problem as a permanent pain.
If seeking solutions is such an easy answer to pesky and persistent problems, why are there so many people who are depressed and/or filled with anxiety or worry? Why do so many people consider suicide? Well, there exists two major evil villains that prevent people from seeking solutions: Fear and Doubt – they are the fork in the tongue of the serpent. Many people often allow problems to paralyze them from going forward due to fear of failure; many people also what-if themselves into indecisiveness and doubt themselves into idleness.
Fear and Doubt:
Fear paralyzes people and prevents possibility. Even if you do not fear anything, you can still be denied possibility due to Doubt. If Doubt becomes a barrier between you and Belief, it becomes equal to fear in the sense that it still prevents you from possibility. The person who allows Fear and Doubt to take control becomes his/her own problem because he/she is imprisoned within his/her own mind. In the prison of problems, your only cellmate is stagnation.
There Is Hope:
I’m going to let you in on a secret in the hope that you’re going to tell everyone and it will no longer be a secret: Doubt fears Belief, and Fear doubts Belief. Even with as much hatred and evil as Fear and Doubt have within themselves, they still understand the concept of teamwork; together, they can imprison you! However, Doubt fears Belief. Doubt fears Belief because Belief banishes Doubt away. Where is your concept of teamwork? You cannot have teamwork with Fear or Doubt while seeking Possibility. Fear and Doubt already work together with plans of destruction and their target is you! You can only pair up with Belief and Vision in order to find Possibility. Belief banishes Doubt from you when you and Belief join together to create a team. Together, you can then overcome Fear because you would believe that you can do so. However, because Fear doubts Belief, Fear will follow you, doubting that Belief will remain within you. Since Belief banishes doubt from you when you team up with Belief, Doubt will live inside of Fear (who is following you), motivating Fear to follow you. However, the pursuit will be in vain because Belief is eternal so long as you never have an about-face of doubt. That means you will always be able to find Possibility so long as you team up with Belief. But belief in what? Not what, but who! Belief in the Savior, Christ Jesus! The Savior is the Solution – we simply need to seek the Solution to all problems if we are to find the specific solutions for specific problems!
Resist and Receive:
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
(James 4:7-8) -NLT
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
(Matthew 7:7-11) -NLT
The special stipulation to this promise is found in James 4:2-3; our desires need to be in alignment with GOD’s will. Ask yourself three important questions:
For what are you asking?
Why are you asking for that specific request?
Will it benefit the Kingdom of GOD?
Knowing GOD takes faith, focus, and follow-through. Jesus promises a reward for the passionate pursuit of seeking GOD’s will.
What Does GOD Say About Fear?
There are over 300 instances in the Bible in which we are instructed not to fear. There are two major reasons why we should not fear:
Trust in GOD;
love for others.
(1) There should be no fear in this limited lifetime because we know our eternal destiny:
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
(Matthew 10:28-31) -NLT
(2) Why would we fear the outcome of choosing to love?:
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
(1John 4:17-18) -NLT
Therefore, we do not fear people nor do we fear punishment. Perfect love casts out all fear. And since we trust in GOD – who is love (1John 4:8,16) – and we choose to love GOD and others, we have no reason to fear.
What Does GOD Say About Doubt?
“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalm 94:19) -NLT
Do you see how this works? Belief banishes doubt. Faith (trust) in GOD creates hope. With hope, one has reason to seek solutions. While seeking the Solution, the Holy Spirit gives the seeker wisdom and vision. Wisdom and vision plan out and produce possibilities.
“And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ ”
(Matthew 14:28-33) -ESV
Peter had faith and so he walked on water. However, he allowed doubt within and he started to sink. But remember: doubt was living inside of fear and fear is faithful to follow. Doubt and fear joined forces and caused Peter to sink. But in seeking the Savior, the Solution was found: trust in the Lord is the solution. Faith creates hope and hope gives birth to possibilities.
“Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, “May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,” and it will happen.You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.’ ”
(Matthew 21:21) -NLT
So, faith is foundational and prayer is powerful. But in order to pray we must first be seeking GOD. If prayer, however, is one of the keys to being a solution seeker, then prayer needs to be properly understood.
Faith-filled Purposeful Prayer:
Prayer needs to be purposeful if it is to be powerful (I’ll expound upon prayer in parts 21-22). Prayer is not a means of merely asking for what we want. GOD is not a magic genie and prayer is not the magic lamp by which to summon GOD. Prayer is a connection between us and GOD. A healthy relationship requires constant communication. So, talk. Prayer is also a way to love others. We should pray for others (Ephesians 6:18-19). But we should also pray that GOD’s will be done and not our own (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44). In the connection of prayer, the goal is to come into alignment with GOD’s will. Regarding prayer, it is important to remember that GOD always answers our prayers in one of three possible ways: yes, no, or not yet. And it is important to thank GOD for all the “no” answers. All the “no” answers eventually lead to the “yes” moment. When we pray, we must pray for the right reasons. Motive matters. We don’t need a mantra, we need a meaningful connection with the Maker. Prayers need to be genuine and purposeful. But remember: you don’t always need to know exactly what to say (Romans 8:26-28). Just be honest.
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1: 6-8) –NIV
Doubts are sometimes unavoidable and seem inevitable. Whether intellectually based or emotionally charged, all doubts need to be doubted and examined. If you find yourself doubting, you’re certainly not alone in your struggle. In Mark 9:24, the father of the possessed son asked Jesus to help his unbelief. Having the courage to doubt your doubts and investigate their causes leads to greater confidence in your relationship with Jesus. In seeking the Savior, He can help work through your doubts to increase your faith. Therefore, investigate your doubts. Seek Truth. Be specific about what your doubts are – write them out and list reasons for and against them. Also, pray! And never stop praying (1Thessalonians 5:17)! Like the father of the possessed son, we too can ask GOD to help with unbelief. Be a Solution seeker! This is important because belief casts out doubt and love casts out fear. The faith-filled become the faith-full! The faithful and loving solution-seeker is stable and also able to pursue possibilities.
Beyond, Through, and To:
“Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.” (1Peter 5:7) –NCV
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7) -NLT
Though the Bible does not explicitly say that worry is a sin, we can still logically conclude that it is a sin by examining all the available evidence. One simply cannot trust GOD to provide if one worries about provision. Likewise, one cannot trust GOD about wellbeing if one worries about wellbeing. Faith is trust. There’s no trust in worrying because worrying comes from doubting GOD.
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) -NLT
Know this: GOD already told us He will take care of all our needs (Matthew 6:25-34).
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
(Philippians 4:8-9) -NLT
Pray Your Way To Peace:
Prayer is not our last resort; rather, it is our first line of defense! And that is why prayer is being discussed here in addition to the end of this book. How do we get GOD’s peace? By putting into practice what we learned. We have learned that we need to put our trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). So, let us put into practice our faith by living confidently in Christ. We can pray our way into peace! Look beyond the problem, through the potential and to the possibilities by seeking the power of GOD in prayer. If we focus on all that is good and right, our focus won’t be on what is bad and wrong. That’s easier said than done – I know. But no one ever said that what is simple is also easy. If we fill our minds with GOD’s Word, we won’t have enough room to fill our minds with the Satan’s lies and the world’s ways. Christians must think about what they’re thinking about and not allow their minds to wander into the chaotic circus of sin. In our spiritual warfare, we need to wear the helmet of salvation (explain in Part 19) because it is spiritual armor for the mind. Negative thoughts can be replaced with positive ones, and the more that godly substitution takes place, the more peace and joy we can experience. Many times we are asking GOD to change our situation when GOD desires to change our stinkin’ thinkin’! GOD’s peace is promised to guard those who pray – with thanksgiving – about everything.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) -NLT
Stay Focused:
We already know the ending of the story! Christ returns, evil is banished to Hell, and all believers will live happily ever after with Jesus for eternity (Revelation 19-21). Knowing this, our focus should simply be on how to continually make things better until Christ returns. GOD gave people the great gift of free will. Where free will exists, evil is always possible; in fact, bad things are inevitable in this sinful fallen world. But GOD created us to create good while we choose to live a life of love. So, what are you creating? In order to be a solution seeker, we must trust in GOD and love others. Belief banishes doubt and love expels fear. Without fear and doubt, GOD’s peace will be with you and GOD’s power will enable you to be more than a conquerer in Christ (Romans 8:37).
Conclusion:
“Show mercy to those who have doubts. Save others by snatching them from the fire of hell.” (Jude 1: 22-23) –GW
You can be a superhero! You can be a superhero by simply being a consistent solution seeker! In the name of Jesus, go be a defender of the faith by helping others battle fear and doubt. Peter was saved while sinking in the sea of doubt because he reached out to Jesus. All people can find salvation by doing exactly what Peter did – by reaching out to Jesus and trusting Him to save. In fact, I did the same thing when I once found myself sinking and Jesus saved me too! To read my testimony, see my other article, “My Testimony: From Agnosticism, To Atheism, To Christianity“.
Here’s the bottom line: When a problem comes along, you must whip it! Whip it good… in the name of Jesus!
“A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. The day one dies is better than the day he is born! It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time.”
(Ecclesiastes 7: 1-2) -TLB
What is death? Is death the end of life? Have you given death much thought? If you haven’t given death much thought, you haven’t reflected on life enough. Before I Die is a global art project that invites people to contemplate death and reflect on their lives. Originally created by the artist Candy Chang on an abandoned house in New Orleans after she lost someone she loved, today there are over 2,000 walls around the world. I encourage you to look through the website and examine many of the responses people wrote. How many of those responses reflect a life well lived?
When someone dies, people who knew the deceased person share memories about him/her. When you die, you most likely will be remembered for the true person you had been. If you were to die today, what would people say about you tomorrow? What would they know about you? What would they not know about you that you would want them to know? How would they describe you? That’s the purpose of an obituary – it explains who you were.
The worst obituary I have ever read came from the Reno Gazette-Journal:
“Marianne Theresa Johnson-Reddick born Jan 4, 1935 and died alone on Aug. 30, 2013. She is survived by her 6 of 8 children whom she spent her lifetime torturing in every way possible. While she neglected and abused her small children, she refused to allow anyone else to care or show compassion towards them. When they became adults she stalked and tortured anyone they dared to love. Everyone she met, adult or child was tortured by her cruelty and exposure to violence, criminal activity, vulgarity, and hatred of the gentle or kind human spirit. On behalf of her children whom she so abrasively exposed to her evil and violent life, we celebrate her passing from this earth and hope she lives in the after-life reliving each gesture of violence, cruelty, and shame that she delivered on her children. Her surviving children will now live the rest of their lives with the peace of knowing their nightmare finally has some form of closure.”
The purpose of this message is to give you a second chance (or 3rd, 4th, or 100th chance). GOD inspired me with this message in order to give you another chance to repent of any wrongdoing and to become the person you are meant to be. You could die tomorrow; you could die tonight. Regardless of how many chances GOD has already given you, this could be your last chance. We should all start by examining our own hearts. Perhaps you could relate with that awful obituary and you have also held resentment toward someone. GOD commands forgiveness. If you struggle with forgiveness, please read my other article, “The Frog In Your Jar.”
It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters if you finish and where you finish. There have been people born into money yet ended up miserable and broke when they died. Some people are so poor all they have is money. There have been people who were born into poor families yet they ended up having money at the end of their lives. I once read a news article about someone who had received a terminal diagnosis from a doctor and then ended up beating the illness and living many years longer than the doctor claimed she would live. What does it all mean? How can we make sense of it all?
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.”
(Exodus 14:21) -ESV
“When she couldn’t hide him any longer she got a little basket-boat made of papyrus, waterproofed it with tar and pitch, and placed the child in it. Then she set it afloat in the reeds at the edge of the Nile.”
(Exodus 2:3) -MSG
In an attempt for population control, Pharaoh of Egypt had ordered that all newborn males of the Hebrew population be drowned in the Nile River. Moses was born in secret and protected for about three months until his mother could no longer hide him. The life of Moses started as an abandoned baby in a basket in the very river where he was supposed to have been drowned. Moses’ life began where it was supposed to end. Do you feel like you’re at your end? GOD declares that at your end you will find the beginning. How? The beginning in Christ is found at the end of yourself.
“If any one of you wants to follow Me, you will have to give yourself up to God’s plan, take up your cross, and do as I do. For any one of you who wants to be rescued will lose your life, but any one of you who loses your life for My sake and for the sake of this good news will be liberated.”
(Mark 8: 34-35) -Voice
“If you have heard Jesus and have been taught by Him according to the truth that is in Him, then you know to take off your former way of life, your crumpled old self – that dark blot of a soul corrupted by deceitful desire and lust – to take a fresh breath and to let God renew your attitude and spirit. Then you are ready to put on your new self, modeled after the very likeness of God: truthful, righteous, and holy.”
(Ephesians 4: 21-24) -Voice [See also Romans 12:2)
Understand this: Moses grew up, became a murderer, and ran away to start a new life somewhere else. However, GOD spoke to Moses from a burning bush and gave him another chance and changed his life. Even though Moses was chosen from the day he was born, it wasn’t until Moses was at his own end that he found his true beginning. Moses didn’t find his calling until he gave up trying to do everything his own way. Miracles didn’t come through Moses until he decided to let go and let GOD guide. And because Moses seized the second chance GOD gave him, he ended up as a prominent leader who led the Israelites out of slavery. That’s how Moses was remembered! I’m pretty confident that his obituary wouldn’t have even mentioned the fact that he had once murdered an Egyptian. I’m pretty sure Moses’ obituary would have read something like this: “He led the Israelites out of slavery, parted the Red Sea, got lost for 40 years, but then finally found the promised land. He was a good leader.”
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8: 38-39) –NLT
GOD loves us so much that He provides opportunities for us to change. Most people don’t live to their full potential because they live in fear. The fears of pain and failure usually prevent people from even taking one single step of faith outside of their comfort zones. Refer back to Ecclesiastes 7:2 – it is good for us to think about our death while we still have the time to do so. So, let’s do that. Let’s ponder on our death for a moment.
Why in the human experience do we die? Your body is programmed (intelligently designed) to expire. Your body tells itself to age and to allow death to overtake it. It is a process called apoptosis. But why? Let us look at the definition of the process that kills us:
Apoptosis: A genetically directed process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or removal of a suppressing agent or stimulus, and is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells —called also programmed cell death.
Apoptosis is basically the act of our body committing suicide at a very slow rate. What we see at old age is the privation of the good in the original design. Regardless of whether or not our mind is aware of this, our soul knows that the body is temporary and that the soul has somewhere else to be (2Corinthians 5:1). The very difference between a body that is declared alive and a body that is declared dead is the soul within or the lack thereof. Dead bodies are interesting. There is a noticeable difference between a body (shell) that contains a soul and one that does not. When the soul exits the physical body, that body no longer moves and it begins to decay and rot even faster than it had with the soul inside of it. Truth be told, the energy of the soul is the energy source that keeps our bodies going. But the energy that powers our souls comes from the Source — GOD!
Can you imagine what Earth would be like if it were full of humans who did not die? As if pride doesn’t run rampant enough in this world! We would have people gloating, “Who cares?! I can’t die anyway!” People would do whatever they wanted without regard for anyone else. It would be complete chaos.
What would be served as a consequence for mistakes if death didn’t exist? If death didn’t exist, would there be consequences at all? Death is the destination of all negative consequences. Sure, one can do something that will burn and inflict pain, correct? And isn’t it also correct that someone can do something that will lead to hunger? But all minor consequences ultimately lead to the major of death if not dealt with and managed. If we view death in this manner, it becomes a good thing. Limits. Rules. Guidelines. Commandments. If only the world would seek Truth! All things, regardless of how small or insignificant they may be, call attention to the greatness of GOD!
Look at the definition of apoptosis again. It says it “is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or removal of a suppressing agent or stimulus.” – That’s exactly right! It is both! The presence of GOD that grants life and enables life to exist is what causes us to grow and live! The removal of GOD’s presence is the death. Imagine the process as GOD’s hand of life coming to us, being upon us, and then leaving again. That is your lifespan. Imagine the process as a plasma ball: When you place your hand on the plasma ball, the ball comes to life and forms a bond with your hand. When you remove your hand, the ball goes into a neutral mode again. GOD’s hand is upon us! GOD is with us! Right here, right now!
“Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose. As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do.”
(Philippians 1: 19-22) -MSG
Paul was in prison while he contributed his writings that ended up being a part of GOD’s living word! Do you know the link between Paul and so many others that ended up being a part of GOD’s living word? Faith in GOD and living a life without fear! Faithful and fearless! Unless we come to the end of ourselves and start living our new lives in Christ, we will never experience miracles! We cannot allow fear to keep us from the calling. What do you want to do before you die? What do you believe GOD has called you to do before your expiration date arrives?
“Don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell.”
(Matthew 10: 28) –CEV
“The Lord says to his people, ‘I comfort you because of who I am. Why are you afraid of mere men? They are only human beings. They are like grass that dries up.’ ”
(Isaiah 51: 12) –NIRV
If you allow the fear of pain to prevent progress, you’ll never fulfill your purpose. We must become so faithful and full of love that we would sacrifice ourselves to make lives better for others.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
(1 John 4: 18) –NKJV
In the name of Christ Jesus, by the power of GOD, I cast out all fear right now!
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23: 4) –ESV
“So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away. Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on.”
(2 Corinthians 4:18) -Voice
“He will swallow up death forever.”
(Isaiah 25:8) -NKJV
“Then the saying will come true: ‘Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?’ ”
(1 Corinthians 15: 54-55) -MSG
“So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.”
(James 4: 7) –GW
“Can anyone really harm you for being eager to do good deeds? Even if you have to suffer for doing good things, God will bless you. So stop being afraid and don’t worry about what people might do.”
(1 Peter 3: 13-14) –CEV
“I am the resurrection and the source of all life; those who believe in Me will live even in death. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never truly die. Do you believe this?”
(John 11: 25-26) -Voice
Do you believe?! If you are filled to the brim with faith, then you will believe that nothing is impossible for GOD-of-all-creation! GOD has all control! Jesus conquered death; therefore, death does not actually exist! Death is a mirage. Death of our physical bodies exist, but who cares? GOD’s hand is upon us! GOD is with us! Right here, right now, and forever more! This life is not all that there is! But our time here is our only time to live this one life — and we have work to do before we leave!
I challenge you to step out in faith. Banish fear! Just as a factory has an assembly line which inspects products for defects, we are being inspected and put to the test. Be aware. Not beware. But be aware. There is no need to beware so long as you be aware. Fear clouds judgment; awareness enhances judgment. Are you aware? Do your best while in the test. Remember: it’s not where you begin that matters, it’s where you end up. Are you aware that you are a child of GOD-Almighty?! Are you aware that GOD who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1John 4:4)?!
What many people view as their ceiling is actually the floor of the next level. A ceiling is the limit imposed upon us by the world’s standards. But I tell you that the ceiling has no sealing and there is more to life than the world is revealing. GOD has a plan for your life. But you need to decide to leave your comfort zone and take a leap of faith in the direction GOD is leading you. You will have to challenge yourself to get to the next level. The world’s ways keeps people complacent in their comfort-coffins. Many people are alive yet not living — they are merely existing! There’s more to life than what you are shown. Do you want to experience the next level?
To ponder on death is to reflect on life. Who or what do you reflect? To see my reflection, read my other article, “Reflection and Direction.”
GOD is giving you another chance today. Think beyond your current circumstance. I challenge you to think about what you want your obituary to say after you’re dead and gone and compare that to what it would actually say if you were to die today.
Now, go and live your life today in such a way as to lead yourself to your goal of tomorrow. You can accomplish anything in alignment with GOD’s will so long as you are faithful and fearless. The choice to either banish fear or be controlled by fear is a life or death decision. But if death only brings you to the end of yourself and to the beginning of life in Christ, is death to be feared at all? What would you try to accomplish if you knew you would not fail? What makes you feel alive inside? How can you make the world a better place? What are you going to do before you die? I challenge you to start here: who needs to hear the Gospel before they die? If anyone came to mind, start your new and awesome journey by loving those people and sharing the good news of the next life when we will be in the presence of the Source of all life.
Quest For Truth 