Fear Less

I am struck this morning by words from Hebrews. They just do not want to be contained. Walk with me...

Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them. He did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has power of death--the devil--and free those who were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15


I am often afraid of death. It's not fun. It smells. And it is ends everything. Or so I fear. But I KNOW it isn't so.

Because I also know that Jesus died and in some miraculous way, beat death and walked, talked, ate and prayed with his disciples after his crucifixion. And because, even in modern times, God still does miraculous things. Several years ago, I was at the gym and saw a TV report about a child who drowned in the swimming pool. EVERY body said she was dead. She had been cleared for an autopsy when suddenly, staff realized she had a pulse.

I swear to you, this was not the Enquirer, it was regular TV news. And yes, I know they lie, but I think they like to save their best for political campaigns.

More recently, I read 90 min in heaven by Don Piper. He tells a story of being hit by a large truck, being declared dead and then being suddenly found with pulse. And even talking. His story was recounted by various witnesses, both medical and ministerial. God still moves.

And yet, people die. My brother. My mother. My friends. Yours. And, so will we. Paul Reiser once said that his baby's birth meant he was being ushered out. And it's true.

So we have two choices. We can live in fear because we will some day die. Our best laid plans will be plans that fade to dust. An unfinished agenda. Or we will truly live in today.

I can what if myself to death. My mom did. Or I can teach my children to be free to live out God's plan knowing that His timing triumphs over every mortal limitation. And I won't be done until he says I'm done. Will I still grieve when another beautiful life slips home? Yes. But I'll choose to keep walking. Because I know without a doubt that if I stop walking forward I might lose sight of the light of a risen God that has kept me going thus far.

Free. I'm trying it out. I'm rolling it on my tongue. Free. Because I cast my lot with the Creator and author life. I will not suffer anything that He will not use to His glory. Nothing will be in vain. Free.

May His grace and peace be yours today. May you join me in fearing less and savoring freedom. His terms; not ours.