Faith Despite Fear

Today, there are many people around the world mourning the injury and loss of loved ones for various reasons, from car accidents to bullets and bombs. Most notably in the United States are the recent bombs at the Boston Marathon and the explosion at the West, Tex. fertilizer plant, which resulted in the injuries and deaths of many, including some who were young enough to be Cubbies or Sparks. And many of those affected and watching these tragedies are asking, 'why?''

Often, this question goes unanswered, or it's answered in a way we don't understand, as it was for Job of the Old Testament. Some people respond to a lack of knowledge or understanding with fear, anger, and hatred, as seen in Job's wife's response in Job 2:9.

But it's during these times of fear that we need faith the most, as pointed out in Job's response to his wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).

Faith is continuing forward despite fear, knowing that even though God is not preventing the world's tragedies for reasons we don't understand, He is holding our hand every step of the way. And this is constantly pointed out in both the Old and the New Testaments.

God promises us in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." He reminds us of this promise in Hebrews 13, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.'"

Today, people are hurting. But today, others are coming together to help and comfort those in need. Today, people are plodding on, doing the little things they can to show God's love and try to make the world a less scary place. We don't know what the future holds, nor do we understand much of the present. But we do know that even in the darkness, God shines His light and guides us forward.

For more examples of people who moved forward in faith despite fear, I recommend reading Hebrews 11.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by these recent tragedies.