“Take courage; do not be afraid.”
It seems easy to be a bit tense, even afraid in late 2015! Vacationers have been evacuated from Sharm el-Sheik by action of most of their resident nations. Just a week before the crashing of the Russian airliner, the hotels of the Egyptian resort were virtually booked to capacity. Now, vacancy rates are high, because people from around the world are afraid to fly in the region. There is no shortage of advice for nations of the world to be suspect of the influx of Syrian refugees. Many say it is wise to be cautious (even a bit fearful) that some of the refugee population might be members of ISIS, or at the least sympathizers.
People are afraid of the current economic situation of the world and in the United States. For each report of lower unemployment, there are counterclaims that the “worker participation” rate is lower than at any time in 35+ years. I have relatives with a few years remaining before they are eligible for Medicare who are afraid of the high cost of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Cousins from both sides of the family have been forced into “the exchanges” and are facing premiums and deductibles that total more than $30,000 annually. I am not seeking a political point, but simply noting how easy it is to be uneasy…even fearful as we enter the end of 2015.
In Mark 6:45-52, the twelve found themselves in a boat straining to row against the wind. It was not one of the famous Sea of Galilee raging storms. They were not fearful for their lives because of the waves, but they were “straining at the oars” because of the wind. They did become fearful later when they saw Jesus walking upon the water. I think I would have become afraid as well, thinking a ghost was walking upon the water! In one of the more humorous statements of Scripture (in my opinion), we learn that Jesus planned simply to walk on by them and meet them on the other side, but He saw their fear and spoke with them.
Are we a bit unsettled by the current events? Are you (like so many missionary friends), straining at the oars because Satan is busy making sure your ministry is rowing into the wind? Is someone you know fearful that the economic circumstances of the day will be too much for their nest egg to handle? There are so many circumstances in all our lives where we seem to strain against the wind. Many wonder if Jesus is simply walking by, planning to meet later. We can all take courage! He knows our fears, and he will often get into our figurative boat at just the moment our fear is greatest. We need not fear. Jesus is with us…even if that man walking toward us looks like death itself. You think about that!
Praying for more to be His,
Reggie Hundley
Executive Director
Mission Services Association, Inc.
the missions network
|
