"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus's sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
Jesus is the only person who has ever chosen to be born. He left his father's side, through great compassion, to have a relationship with us. His plan is to be the light that guides us to our eternal Heavenly home. To gather us into relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For God to enjoy his children and for his children to enjoy their God. Jesus is the Light of Life.
Do you feel oppressed by darkness around you. Is there fear in your heart? Does the pressure seem insufferable? Is there confusion in your mind? Is your grieving for the Lost overwhelming? Take heart children of God, for he has overcome the world.
"These things I have spoken to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but have courage; for I have overcome the world." John 16:33
We may feel or be hard-pressed, abandoned, perplexed or even struck down, but the compassion, comfort, guidance, kindness and love of the Holy Spirit is available to us every moment. Like a fresh spring well that we can dip into whenever we are parched or weary. My gut was twisting with some emotional pain the other night and I quickly called upon the Holy Spirit to comfort me. The comfort of the God of the universes was upon me instantly. He never fails to be faithful.
Do we still feel fear at times? Yes. It's an emotion that can be used to warn us or to make us change for the better. When God says do not fear, I imagine him asking me why I'm standing in the storm trembling, cold, wet, and terrified. When, I have an open invitation from him to come under his wing of protection to find shelter, refuge and peace amid the storm. I envision him saying, "Do not fear, come in here."
Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you. Matthew 7:7-8
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3
With his feathers he will cover you, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth will be your shield and armor. Psalm 91:4
'Do not fear, come in here."
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