Does anyone else struggle with fear? I have noticed recently that my fear gets in the way of my obedience to God. One of Tanya’s popular quotes is the acronym of fear: “False Evidence Appearing Real.” This “false evidence” often tells me, “You’re not good enough to do what God’s asking you to do,” or, “It would be so weird if you talked to that person or did that thing.” I fear what people will think of me. I fear that I’ll fail at what God asks. I fear disapproval from others.
All these fears create a barrier between my desire to follow God and actual obedience. Fear stops me in my tracks when God is telling me to move. But Jesus speaks directly to this issue in Matthew 10.
“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” – Matthew 10:26-28 NIV.
Ultimately, God is the only One whose actions and words hold any weight. I don’t have to fear what people will think or say when they see me following Jesus. Objectively, their opinions and actions against me don’t matter at all. Only God’s opinion determines my identity. Everything else is just noise. But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say one of my all-time favorite lines.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NIV
Read that again. And again. Do you know how many hairs are on your head? I don’t. That means God knows us better than we know ourselves. God knows what happens to each bird at all times. Why would God be with a sparrow for every moment of its life but leave us on our own? He wouldn’t! God is with us every single moment. Jesus’ sparrow comment used to make me laugh, but now it brings me comfort. God knows us and is with us always.
Turning fear over to God is a daily struggle. I wish it were a one-time deal where I ask God to take the fear from my life, and I never feel it again. But combatting fear looks like reminding myself daily that I am worth more than many sparrows. If God cares for them, He will care for me and you too!
