Thoughts on the word "afraid"

Recently, several different people have used the word “scared” or “afraid”. It didn’t hit me until this afternoon when I was talking with my neighbor and she also said it. By nature of the season, it also came up in the movie The Nativity Story – that the angel told Mary not to be afraid (Luke 1:30). Yet her character talks to Joseph about still being afraid despite her trusting of the Lord; and he shares her sentiment... now I know there is probably some artistic liberty taken with that movie, but really – wouldn’t you be afraid if you were in either one of their positions? Before Mary is told not to be afraid, Zechariah is told “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:13). Joseph is told “do not be afraid” (Matthew 1:20). Then, an angel tells the shepherds “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10).

And those are just the examples in the Christmas story. Throughout the gospels Jesus tells the disciples and others several times not to be afraid:
- He rebukes them for not having “little faith” when they are out in the boat, and He calms the storm (Matthew 8:26)
- The sending out of the twelve disciples and their preparation to be aware of the sin-filled people of this world, the persecution that they will face, and to “not be afraid” because they are worth more than sparrows and God knows their worth (Matthew 10: 26, 28, and 31)
- Speaking to Jairus about the death of his daughter “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36)
- The disciples were afraid when they witnessed Jesus’ transformation (Luke 9:34)
- Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit “Peace I leave with you’ my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27)

So, I’m asking myself “what am I afraid of?” and am challenging myself to let go of any fears that I may have; and trust God as Mary trusted Him. Will I have doubts about things as I move forwards – absolutely! I expect to… after all, I’m human. But I am going to trust that there will be seasons of growth and challenge, and the only thing that I can do is keep persevering… striving towards the person that God as created me to be.

Merry Christmas everyone!