In The House Of MiserySample

Fear Is The Opposite Of Faith 

Fear is the opposite of faith. It's the other side of the coin so to speak. Fear is lacking in faith. It is a denial of the hope that God will take care of us no matter what trials we come up against, especially those that draw out our deepest terrors. It's a state of being in which we lack belief.

Verse 7 tells us that after the two days were up, "he said to the disciples, 'Let's go into Judea again.” It is interesting that Jesus did not say, "Let us go to help Lazarus" or, perhaps, "Let us go to Bethany." But in saying "Let us go back to Judea," he was deliberately choosing a word that would remind the disciples of what awaited them there.

In contrast to the faith and assurance that Jesus had that God would be glorified through the sickness of Lazarus, we find that the disciples of Jesus were very hesitant to go to Bethany to allow this to happen because they were afraid for their lives.

In verse 8, we read “His disciples were surprised that He would do this because the Jews had just been trying to kill Him”

Thomas who, although expressing a loyalty to Jesus, showed a lack of faith when he said, "Let's go also, that we may die with him [with Jesus]" (John 11:16). This was not faith but a fatalistic attitude. But the lesson that we learn is that whatever the danger, it is better to be with Jesus. Whatever the outcome, it is comforting to know that our times are controlled by God.

The disciples feared the Jewish leaders. They had not yet learned that all of Christ's times (as also their own) were divinely determined. So Jesus began to teach them about time. He did so first by a question. He asked, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight?" (v. 9). This question was intended to set them thinking—and to set us thinking as well, so that we can move from fear to faith.

God gives each of us a certain amount of time, and nothing can shorten it. If God is not in control—if we are in control—then we will be fearful. On the other hand, if God orders the duration of our days and if nothing can cut them short, then we can be bold to serve him, as Jesus was.

If God gives us each a certain amount of time and if nothing can shorten it, then there is time enough for everything that needs to be done. The conclusion to be drawn from this truth is that we need not be frantic and fearful.

As Jesus' disciples followed Him (the Light) into Bethany that day, we can walk in the light of Jesus and bravely face our trials without fear.

The Psalmist said “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”

The Lord never abandons us in our times of difficulties. So if the Lord is with us, we need never fear.

Quote: “Faith looks not at what happens to him but at Him Whom he believes. - Watchman Nee

Application question: Am I living in fearful darkness or do I walk with Christ who is the light of life?  

 Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are in control of my life. So I need not be fearful because You are always with me. Thank you Lord. Amen