One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,
“Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)
Paul had much to fear. After all, he had a reputation. He was, at one time, a huge killer of Christians. So, many of the Christians did not trust him and wanted to do him in. He was also sought after by the Romans, for whom he used to persecute Christians, because he had become a Christian himself. There were perils all around him.
And, in the midst of it all, the voice of God saying, “Do not be afraid.”
Blessed Pope John Paul II used to say that all the time, “Do not be afraid.”
Of course, he was not the originator of that phrase. We hear God telling many people that throughout the Old and New Testaments. When the angel appeared to Mary, she was first told, “Do not be afraid.” Angels and the voice of God Himself continuously assured God’s people not to fear.
What was, is. God still tells us not to be afraid. We, too, have a mission to accomplish. We have a job to do. Let us go forth courageously and get the job done.
Do not be afraid!
FAITH ACTION: Is there something about the faith that you are fearful of sharing? Do you worry that being an upstanding member of the faith will garner you ridicule, shame, or injury? Ask the Lord to assure your heart today. Do not be afraid.