Being afraid of ungodly threats is not sinful.
In fact, it’s common among believers.
Whether it is a health threat or a financial threat or a family breakdown threat, the looming calamities we sometimes face are pregnant with potential danger and we are blind if we don’t recognize them and prepare to respond should fear become fact.
Being afraid doesn’t show a flaw of character. Not displaying faith amidst the fears does.
There was a subtle but certain lesson in this regard that was woven into the account of Gideon recorded in Judges 7.
After God had sifted Gideon’s army from 30,000 down to 300 who didn’t let fear trump faith, the young commander was told to go and conquer the pagan Midianite army camped in a nearby valley.
God knew that this assignment was not logical from a human-thinking standpoint — 300 men against thousands and thousands of bloodthirsty, Hebrew-hating soldiers.
God knew that Gideon might have fears of completing the assignment.
So this is what our gracious God said to Gideon:
“During that night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.” (vv. 9-11)
Clearly, Gideon was afraid of the Midianites.
That’s why he and his assistant went to spy out the camp.
God was even more gracious, of course, and allowed Gideon to hear that some in the enemy camp were afraid of what God might do against their army.
Rather than display a collapse of faith, Gideon’s fear prompted his reconnaisance of the camp and subsequent affirmation that God WAS in control and that victory WAS going to happen.
It’s a good story, this account of Gideon in Judges 6-8. I hope you’ll read it today.
For now, though, I simply want you to know that it’s OK to have concerns — or even fears — when faced with challenges that can’t be avoided.
Just remember that the closer you move to confronting the “enemy” circumstance that God has called you to face, the closer you will be to hearing God’s comforting, guiding voice and to seeing/feeling God’s sovereign power and plan.
This has been true in my life with various threats and it will be true in your life as well.
We just have to make sure that our faith is stronger than our fear.
As always, I love you
Martin
