Fear Is Not My Future
- Guy Cohen
- Jun 29, 2023
- 2 min read
Harvest of Asher
Akko, Israel
In the second letter to the Thessalonians, we see that these new believers really suffered for their faith. Trials will always exist in a believer’s life, tempting us to be afraid. Yet what we learn from the Thessalonians is that they gained hope and trust, enabling them to respond with patient perseverance.
Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica along with his co- laborers Silvanus and Timothy. Together they had witnessed a breakthrough of the gospel in this city of idolatry. When the new believers accepted Yeshua into their hearts they were filled with the love of God and compassion for the citizens around them. Paul gave thanks to God for them, expressing his pride in their patient endurance and their walk with Yeshua.
It reminds me how every time a new immigrant comes to Israel and begins to learn the language and culture, we teach them the Hebrew word “savlanoot” which means patience. But to be honest, Israelis don’t have much of it themselves. And if we look at the world today, we see wickedness and impatience growing. How can I, as a follower of Yeshua, walk in patient perseverance?
By internalizing the fact that I am saved by grace
By actively being filled with the love of God
By growing in faith
By looking ahead in hope, knowing eternal life in Yeshua
As I move through life, I know that our present surroundings are temporary as we journey into eternity. That knowledge allows my heart to be filled with compassion toward those who do not know Messiah and are not born again.
In chapter 3, Paul says there are challenges still in store for us throughout this lifetime; but the Lord is faithful. He will strengthen us and keep us from evil. The enemy wants us to fall. He lays many traps to ensnare us and paralyze us in fear.
However, when I'm filled with the Presence of God, I have peace in knowing that His shalom will help me through every challenge.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:4)
Even and especially when the enemy tries to put fear and concern in my heart, I will trust God!
Fear may have been our past, but fear is not our future.
“…your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”
(2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 NIV)
