September Prayer Letter - Fear

What do you fear?  What worries do you have?  As I write this, Ebola is spreading its way through West Africa and the two infected American doctors are still under strict quarantine in Atlanta. Just one year ago, Dr. Kent Brantly and his wife Amber were joyfully preparing to serve the Lord with Samaritan’s Purse and attended the same medical missions training conference that I am currently attending in Virginia.  Perhaps we sat in the same chair? Now Dr. Brantly is fighting for his life. Who among us ever knows what the next year will bring.

Thankfully, the Ebola outbreak is farther away from Mafikeng, South Africa than Seattle is from Orlando.  However, even if it was right next door, I know the Lord is trustworthy and his plans for me are better than my own.  He says over and over in the Bible that we are not to fear what can happen to us in this world, but instead trust in Him. 

However, no matter how well we can recite Bible verses telling us not to fear, for He is with us, we are still human and fears will raise their ugly heads.  So with what fears do I struggle? Have I understood correctly what the Lord wants me to do? What if I go to South Africa and get so caught up in the job at the hospital that nothing is accomplished spiritually in people’s lives?  What if I say or do the wrong things and turn people away from Christ rather than to Him?  What happens when I see pets I don’t know how to treat and there is nowhere else to send them? What if something happens to my family in the US while I’m gone?

Whenever I start to think along these lines it is easy to get discouraged.  Then it is time to pray for the peace He has promised His children. Here are some of my favorite verses about His peace.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. - Psalm 29:11

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ - John 16:33

I’ll leave you with a Psalms that speaks directly to the issue of fear.  Consider praying with these words when your fears raise their heads and please pray it for me as well. 

When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

In God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man do to me? - Psalm 56:3-4