My mind went into overdrive. Even at several hundred yards, I recognized the rifle as an AK-47. I had been stopped at enough military check points to know the man aiming straight at me, dressed in ragged cut off camouflage, wasn’t regular army. He was one of the remaining guerrilla fighters still warring against the government of Zimbabwe. “Do I stop? Or do I run over him?” You can imagine the flash decision I had to make driving at 120km (72mph) in our large flatbed truck. But only God knows the reason, he stepped to the side of the road only a couple of seconds before I reached him. The entire incident happened in less than 15 seconds, but for me it had all been in slow motion. Afraid? Thankfully, I didn’t have time for fear to rise up in me. However, had I allowed fear to take over; the results probably would have been tragically different. Neither could I allow this incident to hinder me with fear in future travels and ministry.
Controlled fear can lead to positive results. Fear of getting burned keeps us from putting our hand in boiling water. Fear of getting hit by a car makes us look both ways before crossing the road. But note, I said ‘controlled fear’. Problems arise when fear is uncontrolled and begins dominating us. Psychologists today have categorized over 500 fears or phobias. These phobias can reach the point of paralyzing a person’s normal daily life. For believers we must constantly be aware that fear is one of Satan’s primary tools against us. He can quickly escalate positive fear into uncontrolled fear. Fear was hindering Timothy to the such a level that Paul wrote and reminded him God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7).
Especially relevant for us today is Christ’s caution not to be overwhelmed with fear concerning the events that will take place prior to His return. There will be . . . fearful events and great signs from heaven (Luke 21:11). People will be fainting from fear and from the expectation of what is coming on the world (v26). With all that’s currently taking place in the world, it would be easy to become fearful, but we must not let Satan use these events as a tool against us. Jesus also told us how to respond, when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened [alarmed] (Luke 21:9). Twenty times in the New Testament, the writers say, do not be afraid. Why, because He has promised to take care of us.
One noted individual who rarely says anything credible did make one truthful assertion—American’s are a fear driven society. Many today are living in panic as the world approaches the supposed “end as we know it” based on the Mayan calendar and the writings of Nostradamus, etc. This fear of the end has brought a flood of cables programs—Doomsday preppers, Doomsday bunkers, Doomsday Asteroid—just to mention a few. The marketing world is having a field day selling supplies to those driven by such fears. The same scenario happened with YK-2000.
As followers of Christ, we don’t need to store up food, build bunkers, or buy guns to protect our provisions. Remember Israel in the wilderness for 40 years ate manna which God supplied, but forbid them to store up, except for the Sabbath; and God daily used ravens to feed Elijah during a famine and a widow’s flour and oil that didn’t run out. Remember the birds of the air that God feeds and lilies of the field He cloths. Jesus added we were more important than birds or flowers and should not worry about tomorrow. Worry is a product of fear. He also gave the parable of ten minas in reference to His coming Kingdom. A nobleman was going on a journey and he gave each of his servants a sum of money with the instruction—Do business with these until I come back (Lk 19:13). Christ has given us talents, gifts, and the business of going into all the world and spreading the Gospel. We can’t do business effective if we are crippled with fear over the events taking place in the world.
After my close encounter with the guerrilla fighter, it would have been easy to lock the gate of our walled compound and never go out again. But God had called me and sent me to teach His word. Instead of a spirit of fear, God had given me a Spirit of power, love, and self-control in order to overcome Satan’s tool of fear.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Are you fearful about something? Let His perfect love drive out fear. Focus on Him and His work, and He will take care of you.