The Gospels list some 125 Christ-issued imperatives. Of these, 21 urge us to ‘not be afraid’ or ‘not fear’ or ‘have courage’ or ‘take heart’ or ‘be of good cheer.’ The second most common command, to love God and neighbor, appears only eight occasions. If quantity is any indicator, Jesus takes our fears seriously. The one statement He made more than another was this: ‘don’t be afraid’”
People are troubled, and anxious. Finances are tumbling, rockets are launching and seemingly solid institutions are teetering. It’s tough for people to know where to turn.
That’s why we are here. Because I believe now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to turn folks to the one constant in a sea rolling with change. There is an antidote to the fear epidemic – trust. If we trust God more, we can fear less. Isn’t that a comforting promise?
Max Lucado
About Fearless
Pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado has delivered a message that brings hope to our fears. In September 2009, Thomas Nelson will release several Fearless products with the major trade book as the anchor.
Max shares this message: “Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear. They’re talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out? Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision the day when you can trust more and fear less. Can you imagine your life without fear?”