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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Brian Mitchell

When we spend our days worrying about what can go wrong, we go to bed exhausted, having accomplished little. Not only do we lose sleep, but our relationships with others can suffer as well.

Focusing on problems causes us to make rash decisions that may ease our fear in the moment but often lead to more problems down the road. Fear robs us of the ability to enjoy the good things God has given us.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” — John 10:10, NIV

In context, Jesus was warning against false teachers and spiritual deception, but we also see how anything that draws us away from his abundant life — including fear — acts as a thief in our lives.

Fear steals our joy, kills our confidence, and destroys our peace. But Jesus came to offer us something greater: a life full of joy, peace and security in him.

The thief keeps our minds focused on the problems, telling us that our God isn’t big enough to handle them, and that if we don’t act, we will fail. As long as the thief can keep our eyes on our troubles and the “what-ifs,” he has us right where he wants us.

But what if, instead of listening to the thief, we trusted in the One who came to bring us abundant life?

What would happen if we truly trusted in Jesus? We would find peace that goes beyond our understanding, knowing that God is in control no matter what we face. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, we would step forward in faith, believing that God is working all things for our good.

Our worries would lose their grip on us as we rest in his promises.

When fear whispers that we are alone, we would cling to the truth that God is always with us.

Trusting in him doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties, but it does mean we won’t face them alone. With Christ, we can walk in confidence, knowing that the same God who conquered death is more than able to handle whatever comes our way.

In John 8:36, Jesus assures us, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Through Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of fear. We no longer need to be controlled by the lies of the thief but can walk in the freedom and peace that come from being children of God.

Fear has no hold on us anymore. We are free to live the abundant life God has promised, trusting that he is bigger than any problem we face.
God is on the move in Albert Lea.

Brian Mitchell is a pastor at New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea.