Strength for the ChallengeSample

Unafraid

Most of us have shelter. In the west, at least, famine is not one of our great fears. Nor are we generally afraid of being attacked in the places we frequent. In the times of the early church, however, these were legitimate fears. Persecution sometimes chased believers from their homes. Drought could affect crops and finances and even one’s ability to eat. And a trip down a remote lane could result in danger from robbers lying in wait. Today, our hardships typically take different forms. But fear—of our future and our fate—often remains, just as it did for the people of Paul’s day. That’s why the apostle wanted believers to know, with absolute certainty, that the love of Christ can obliterate all fear. Through our Lord Jesus, we are free to live without fear and able to weather any challenge life throws at us. Life comes with great uncertainty. But take comfort in the fact that nothing we experience can ever remove the deep and strengthening love of Jesus.