Journal Entry June 13, 2025: Do Not Fear

 

Journal Entry Dated: June 13, 2025

"Do not fear." It supposedly says something like this in the bible 365 times. One for every day of the year. We do not need to fear. For God is with us, and He goes ahead of us. He prepares us, fights for us, and also defends us. Why should we fear? But we do.

In this chapter, Saul meets Jesus. And Ananias was called to go to Saul to lay hands on him. But he was scared, and rightfully so. Saul was persecuting anyone who calls on the name of Jesus and was in the area to arrest anyone doing so.

But God had a plan. And He explained it to Ananias. I'm sitting here thinking: "Oh, if only God explained things to me like this." But then, where would faith come in?

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his interitance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." Hebrews 11:8

God has patience and gives us grace, even when we are scared or doubt. Ex. Thomas. 

" 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it'... Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe... Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' " John 20:25, 27, 29

Jesus was not mad at Thomas. He showed Thomas what he needed to see. Similarly with Ananias. He wasn't mad, but He told him to go after He explained more.

So, whether we have faith like Abraham, Thomas, or Ananias, God still loves us, has patience with us, and gives us grace. Even in our fear, He has patience with us. But He will take us through the valley to show us we can rely on Him. He gives us what we need to walk with Him. He equips us. Our walk with Him strengthens us for what He has called us to do. 

Because of past experiences, I've been afraid. The enemy wants me focused on the bad. But God has been showing me He has been there the whole time. So I can trust going forward. He will be there. Even if what I'm called to do scares me, He will be there to guide me and protect me. Amen.

Jen