Driving Out Fear...

1 Peter 3:6 "You are her (Sarah's) children if you do not fear anything that is frightening."

1 Peter 3:14 "...Have no fear of them, do not be troubled."

Peter makes these statements in his letter to the exiles.  People forced from their home because they were following Jesus.  I wonder what the specific fear was, and why he addresses the women in particular.  Perhaps we are more prone to worry?  To "what-if" ourselves into motionless panic?  To fear for the safety of those we love as the natural nurterers?  To prefer living in a place of comfort rather than a place of freedom?

I think back to Genesis and the story of Sarah (which I might add has turned up at the exact same time in three different books I'm studying right now-a lesson there perhaps?).  Sarah had some potentially fear-filled situations.  She was married to a wandering man traveling to the land God promised him.  She was unable to bear children for him.  Another woman gave him the son she couldn't.    She was told at an old age she would have a child.  She was given away twice by her husband to be the wife of other men.  What might happen to her or Abraham if the other men found out they were lying?

And what were these women in the New Testament facing?  Separation from those they loved who chose not to follow Christ?  Long journeys for their children and elderly loved ones?  Unfamiliarity?  Displacement?  Persecution?  Death?

And later these men and women are told not to fear "them,"  But to be ready at any time to share the hope they had in Jesus Christ.

And the connection dawns...how can we share the gospel in the face of fear?

Peter seems to be suggesting that in sharing Christ we are driving out fear.  Isn't it true?  When we are sharing our testimony, recounting the work of God in our lives, remembering his perfect love at work in us, how can we be afraid?  In those moments that still me,  maybe even paralyze me, can I remember God's hand on me since childhood drawing me to himself?  How I always had a friend who knew Him?  Can I remember the day we wondered what we'd have for supper and were invited over for dinner with enough food left over for three more meals besides?  Can I remember the day we felt dried up and burned out and His Word ignited the fire again?  Can I remember a biopsy needed, a night being prayed over, and a diagnosis of nothing?  Can I remember the friend He brought into my life who slowly cracked me open after years of building my own shell?  Can I remember that night in my dorm room when I told Him I couldn't be perfect and I couldn't keep up and I couldn't finish and He brought peace?  Can I simply remember that I am His, and can that be enough each day?

Father, when I begin to fear, let me remember you, share you, give thanks to you out loud.  That in sharing your work in my life fear would be driven out and your love would work in and through me, unhindered by what I may be tempted to hold on to or hide behind.  I remind myself again today that whatever may happen, I am yours, and You are all I need.  Thank you...