Today I am sharing the first of three posts leading up to June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. Our theme this year is Fear Not. These three posts are designed to prepare us as we engage in battle for the hearts and minds of loved ones who are “prodigal” in one of many ways. And if you have fears of any kind, you will discover encouragement and help here.
Our world is full of fear. Wars, earthquakes, terrorists, volcanoes, racial strife, hurricanes, fires, mass murders, floods, bombs, tornadoes, disease….did I just raise your fear level?
No wonder we live in fear, dreading the next act of terror, anxious for the coming natural disaster. We know it will come: Where? When? How? Will it affect me or mine?
Are you living on edge, apprehensive, suspicious?
Or maybe your fears are more personal: financial failure, loss of a loved one, loss of job, illness, divorce…the list goes on.
And when you love a prodigal, fears multiply: Is he safe? In jail? Overdosed? Will she survive? Why is she rejecting me? Will I ever get to meet my grandchildren? Where have I gone wrong?
Afraid. Fearful. Even terrified.
Many of us live life afraid. But God says otherwise: “Fear not!”
There are many “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid” commands in God’s Word. We are admonished repeatedly not to be afraid.
Jesus understood our tendency to be fearful, especially when circumstances were out of control or uncertain—or just scary. Here are 7 assurances spoken by Jesus Himself, mostly to His disciples.
IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM
When He and His disciples were experiencing a terrible storm on the sea of Galilee, Jesus was sleeping. They woke Him, terrified.
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:26)
Another time, another storm at sea, the disciples were in the boat by themselves. They saw Jesus walking toward them on the water, creating more fear than the wind. But Jesus got to the boat, climbed in, and immediately said to them “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
AFTER CATCHING NO FISH
After a night of fishing, Peter and the other fishermen had caught nothing. Jesus directed them to go back out to the deep water and try again. Reluctantly they did, and the nets were so full the boats were almost sinking. Peter was terrified.
Then Jesus said to Peter, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:10)
HEALING AND PROTECTING
When Jesus was speaking to a crowd, Jairus, the Synagogue leader, asked Jesus to come heal his daughter. But then he was told she had already died.
Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” (Luke 8:50) (And she was.)
Jesus was telling his disciples not to fear those who would harm them: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid.” Then Jesus added, “Do not be afraid. you are worth more than many sparrows.”. (Luke 12:7)
Not long after that, Jesus again assured them: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)
AFTER RISING FROM DEATH
After Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and after the Sabbath day, early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb to finish the preparation of Jesus’ body. The stone was rolled away and an angel told them He had risen.
Then Jesus appeared and said, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)
A PROMISE OF PEACE
Yes, there are many legitimate things to fear. But Jesus is greater than all of them. He will not abandon us, even when our worst fears seem to surround us.
So let what Jesus has said in John 14:27, our theme verse, sink in: “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.”
He gives us peace.
May the love of God and the peace from Jesus displace any fear that grips us,
What about you? What are you afraid of? Which of these promises from Jesus, as He repeatedly says, Do not be afraid, give you comfort, hope, peace?
C2024 Judy Douglass
Listen to the devotional: What Are You Afraid Of - Fear 1, episode 146
Do you have a loved one you want prayer for on the June 2 Prodigal Prayer Day? Write to us at PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or go to the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook page. Give us the first name of a prodigal you want prayer for.
To learn how you can be a part of Prodigal Prayer Day, check out this link: https://judydouglass.com/prayerday
