What’s the safest place in the world? The place where you are least likely to encounter any danger at all. Wouldn’t it be great if you found out that it was right where you are at this very moment?
One safe place, for sure, is here in my study with me. So grab your cup, lift it up and let’s kick off today’s “Morning with Bishop Robert.” I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll be back often. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
Searching for safety is a natural response to fear. But we sometimes have some strange fears. Some of the stranger phobias I’ve heard of are Alektorophobia (a fear of chickens) and Genuphobia (a fear of knees). Or how about Coprophobia, which is not the fear of police but the fear of defecating. Claustrophobia sounds like it should be the fear of Santa, but it’s not. And finally, Megalaphobia is the fear of giants; but shouldn’t it be Fee-Fi-Phobia?
When you decide to be a Jesus follower, He’s going to lead you into some places that you may find challenging or scary. When He begins to show you the job He’s created you to do, it will seem overwhelming. So the first and perhaps one of the greatest obstacles that you’ll need to overcome is your fear. And the key to THAT, is knowing that HE is the one who will keep you safe.
Today’s verse says WHOEVER PUTS HIS TRUST IN THE LORD IS KEPT SAFE
I think there’s a reason why the bible records God telling so many of His servants to “Fear not!” Joshua was told be strong and very courageous. The people of Israel were told not to be afraid or discouraged as they approached the promised land. Prophets, priests, kings and royal counselors were all encouraged to trust God and not fear. God says “Do Not Be Afraid” over a hundred times. Do you know why? Because some of the things He calls us to require a great deal of trust, faith and courage.
Through it all, He walks with us. God keeps us safe. Us, the “real” us – not necessarily our bodies. In the eternal scheme of things what happens to our bodies is really of no consequence. Can you imagine winning a marathon with a million dollar prize, and then complaining after the race that you’d broken a shoelace? Or playing on a FIFA World Cup winning team with a $450 million winning share, then griping that you’d slid in the dirt and skinned your knees while playing? Of course not! It’s absurd. The final prize far outweighs any temporary minor inconveniences.
What we need is a SUPERNATURAL response to fear. Here’s the entire verse for today. The first part sheds light on a major issue holding us back from dedicated service to Christ.
THE FEAR OF MAN IS A SNARE, BUT WHOEVER PUTS HIS TRUST IN THE LORD IS KEPT SAFE
There it is – THE FEAR OF MAN. “What will my neighbors think if I talk to them about Jesus?” We fear damage to our reputation. Our family, neighbors and friends seem like giants in our sight; and all of a sudden we all develop megalaphobia. Fee-Fie-Foe-Fum. I heard you’re a Christian, and here I come! The biggest giants of your imagination start pounding on your door and challenging your stand for Christ. “Mary, you’re going to believe the BIBLE ???” “Jeff, have you lost your mind?” Facing your giants and walking in victory will deepen your faith.
God says that the FEAR OF MAN IS A SNARE. That means it’s a trap. It’s designed to lure you, stop you and then take you prisoner. All the giants we face SEEM big and powerful. They always have. A young teenager named David faced off against a warrior that was a full TWO FEET TALLER than Shaquille O’Neal; Goliath was over 9 feet tall. But David knew that WHOEVER PUTS HIS TRUST IN THE LORD IS KEPT SAFE. The key is that — IF we want to accomplish the maximum potential in our lives — we have got to be willing to face and overcome the giants that oppose us.
Some years ago I stood with one of my sons in the valley where David faced Goliath. I told him to go to the riverbed and draw out five smooth stones as David had done. This is what I told him when he returned …
“Son, I want you to put these where you will see them every day. Perhaps your desk, your bureau, or even a bookshelf. Let them remind you that there will always be giants. So there will always be a need for men of faith; men whose decisions are driven by the size of the God they serve, not the giants who stand before them.”
WHOEVER PUTS HIS TRUST IN THE LORD IS KEPT SAFE
Real safety is measured by the FINAL OUTCOME, not the blood and bruises of the battle. We win!!! There is laid up for us a crown in heaven that we cannot lose. Stand strong.
The safest place in the world is wherever Christ calls us to follow Him. Even if we’re facing giants.
